Police classify threat against mosque as hate crime

A report of a threat to attack a mosque in Hastings is being investigated by Sussex Police as a hate crime.

In a statement, police said they arrived at the Hastings Mosque in St Leonards on Sunday and patrols in the area had been “increased”.

The move came amid increasing violent unrest across the UK and prompted the government to announce that it would provide greater protection for mosques in the future.

On Facebook, Hastings Mosque shared a message from a local campaign group saying anti-fascist protesters had turned up to “defend” the site and that “no attack had taken place”.

The original post from the Hastings branch of Stand Up To Racism said: “At 2pm on Sunday our friends at Hastings Mosque received a threat of an imminent attack and informed us of it.

“After a brief conversation, we agreed to call on people to come out, defend the mosque and show solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers.”

It was said that 50 people showed up within an hour and a half.

It continues: “We are aware that racists are organising violent attacks against Muslims, asylum seekers and migrants.”

The BBC has asked the mosque for comment.

Sussex Police said: “This incident is being treated as a hate crime and investigations are currently underway to identify those responsible.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to report it online or call 101.

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