Mosque targeted in disorder condemns violence

Hama, manager of Masjid Salahuddin in Stoke-on-Trent, described the experience as "scary"

A mosque that was targeted during the disorder in Stoke-on-Trent has condemned the violence that took place.

Masjid Salahuddin in Hanley was targeted as part of the protest that turned violent on Saturday.

Its manager Farouk Farage, known as Hama, said stones were thrown and cars were damaged at the site, during what he described as a “scary” experience.

Police arrested 10 people following the disorder and two men have since been charged with multiple offences.

Two people were taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be serious after being hit with blunt objects that were thrown in the air, Staffordshire Police said.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Hama said the mosque had advised women and children to stay home after they heard it could be targeted.

“We had a hard time, especially our women and children stuck inside their houses,” he said.

Staffordshire Police said 10 people were arrested following the disorder

Of the violence that has taken place across the country in recent days, Hama said: “These people are violent, we are not. We have tried our best here to control the youngsters who were very angry.”

“We don’t want to see bad things in Stoke-on-Trent," he added, "it’s a beautiful city.”

In an appeal to the city, he said the Muslim community loved the people of Stoke-on-Trent and pleaded for the violence to stop.

“We are part of Stoke-on-Trent, our children are born here. Our children are English,” he said.

“This is our city…we stuck up for our city. We don’t want to damage this city.”