Official Data Show Sharp Rise in Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes Across UK

IQNA – Anti-Muslim hate crimes in England and Wales rose by nearly 20 percent over the past year, according to new Home Office statistics that highlight a sharp increase in Islamophobic incidents following last summer’s riots.

The latest figures show that 45 percent of all recorded religious hate crimes—excluding those logged by the Metropolitan Police—targeted Muslims in the year ending March 2025. The Home Office described a “clear spike” in anti-Muslim offences following the Southport murders and subsequent riots.

A total of 7,164 religious hate crimes were recorded by police forces across England and Wales, representing a 3 percent rise from the previous year and marking the highest annual total ever reported. Of these, 4,478 offences were directed at Muslims.

Jewish people were the second most targeted group, accounting for 29 percent of all reported incidents, or 2,873 cases. However, anti-Jewish hate crimes decreased by 18 percent compared with the previous year.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said both Jewish and Muslim communities “continue to experience unacceptable levels of often violent hate crime.” She added: “Today’s hate crime statistics show that too many people are living in fear because of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from.”

Mahmood also noted that additional police patrols have been deployed around synagogues and mosques following the recent Manchester attack, and that £50 million has been allocated to strengthen security at places of worship.

Muslim organizations have voiced concern that the figures may understate the true scale of Islamophobic offences. They argue that excluding data from the Metropolitan Police—the UK’s largest police force—distorts the overall picture.

Analysts link the rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes to a series of events beginning with the Southport murders in July 2024, when misinformation spread online falsely claiming the attacker was Muslim. The subsequent far-right riots and protests led to widespread assaults on Muslims and immigrants.

One of the most serious incidents in recent months was the arson attack on Peacehaven Mosque, which reinforced fears within Britain’s Muslim community about escalating hostility and inadequate protection.

Source: Agencies