Mosques cut back opening hours over attack fears

Khadijah Mosque on Cromwell Road is one of the mosques in Peterborough which only opened for prayer time

Mosques in a city are cutting back opening hours amid ongoing unrest around England.

Far-right violence broke out around the country after three girls were fatally stabbed by a 17-year-old in Southport.

Peterborough has 30,000 Muslims living in the city and members of the community said there were “deep concerns” about being "targeted".

Abdul Choudhuri, the chairman of the Joint Mosque Council, has appealed to the community to stay "vigilant” but “not to take the law in their hands”.

Abdul Choudhuri has told the Muslim community to remain calm

Mr Choudhuri said: "The situation and targeting is deeply concerning. Especially as it did not relate to the Muslim community. For us safety of our mosques and community is paramount.

“Mosques are always open for anyone to walk in - for prayers or support.

“But now we are going to lock them and open only half an hour before the designated prayer time. It’s not an ideal situation but in these difficult times we have to ensure they are safe.”

Anita Nayyar has urged the community in Peterborough to refrain from counter protests

Anita Nayyar from Peterborough is a social psychologist who specialises in countering hate speeches.

Ms Nayyar said: “The worst possible thing that happens is counter protests by Muslims as we are often already seen as inherently violent. So, putting yourself in [front of] the far-right is putting yourself back in the right-wing press.

“Counter protest can be disorganised, and you have no control over it sometimes.

“Obviously, it’s never nice to feel targeted because you have left your house with a certain skin colour. I do feel scared. But also supported. Communities in the city have always stood up for their neighbours.”

Muhammed Rashid Nomani, Imam at Khadijah Mosque on Cromwell Road, said: "Multicultural society is part of our British values.

"We need to demonstrate peace and tolerance in the community and remain calm."

Muhammed Rashid Nomani Imam at Khadijah Mosque said the mosque leaders are working with the authorities

Supt Robin Sissons, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: “We understand these national incidents are of concern to our community and, as always, we will continue to work hard understanding those concerns and to reassure people.

“We have been engaging with community leaders over the last few days and we have increased patrols in the city centre and across the county.

“We remain united in Cambridgeshire, and we are very proud of the rich diversity of our county. We encourage everyone to be cautious about what they read on social media, as there is a huge amount of misinformation being spread.”

On Sunday the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced greater protection for mosques.

She said: "In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces.

"We repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law.

“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”