Mosque Attacks in Greater Manchester Raise Fears Among Local Muslim Community
The Elaf Mosque in Cheadle Heath, Stockport, was targeted again early Thursday when masked individuals hurled paving slabs through its windows. CCTV footage captured the attack, which took place shortly before 03:00 BST.
Dr. Ibrahim, the mosque’s imam and a local GP, said during the meeting with reporters: “We need to live in love and peace, and this is a kind of Islamophobia. We raised our concerns now about what happened because we don’t feel safe in the mosque as Muslims. We don’t know what will happen next time as long as the attackers are free to do whatever [they] want.”
Police confirmed they are investigating both this latest attack and a separate incident in April when rubbish and pork meat were thrown inside the mosque. Officers said they had met mosque representatives and were working to identify those responsible.
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The violence left windows shattered and masonry scattered across the grounds.
Ibrahim urged authorities and the wider community to provide greater support and reassurance.
The mosque opened about six months ago in a building converted from a church. Volunteers have since launched children’s programmes and distributed gifts to local households during Ramadan.
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“We are trying to reassure neighbours that the mosque is for the sake of the community and it’s open for everyone and you are welcome,” Ibrahim said.
The incidents come amid heightened concern about anti-Muslim sentiment in parts of the UK, with faith leaders warning that recurring attacks can deepen divisions and undermine community trust.
Source: Agencies
