Members Of The Muslim Community In Luton Took To The Streets In Protests At The Desecration Of Their Mosque, When A Pig's Head Was Strung From Its Highest Pinnacle

Interviews and scenes of a march through Luton in response to the attack on the Mosque.

Anglia Television report on a march through the streets of Luton by members of the Muslim community following the desecration of the new Mosque. A pig’s severed head was found hanging from the crescent of the minaret causing outrage and distress. Scenes of the demonstrators led in chanting by a man with a megaphone. The reporter explains that those on the march have spent the day in prayer because it is a Friday and the start of Ramadan. The day was particularly chosen to demonstrate the strength of feeling about the incident which the Muslim leaders have called a racist provocation. The minaret at the Mosque may need to be rebuilt. Syed Rizvi of Luton Mosque Committee says the aim of the march is to show the public at large how greatly this has affected the community. He says the police are trying their best to bring the offender to book. Asked to respond about threats of reprisal attacks, he says that this march aims to demonstrate that the Muslim community is very peaceful. Superintendent John Gear of Bedfordshire Police says they realise that this incident was a terrible insult. The Assistant Chief Constable is advising on the case personally. If the offender is caught they can be prosecuted for criminal damage. The reporter asks about rumours of similar incidents in other parts of the country. John Gear mentions cases involving pig flesh in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, Rochdale, Lancashire and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Further scenes show the marchers escorted by police through Luton streets. The reporter was Surrey Beddows for this video made to be shown in a news story on Anglia Television early evening news / magazine programme About Anglia.

Keywords

Mosques; Islam; Muslims; Racism; Vandalism; Religion; Ramadan