Pig's head left outside proposed site of mosque in Barnoldswick

Insp Claire Pearson said "hate of any form" would not be tolerated and the force was taking the incident "extremely seriously"

A pig's head being left outside the proposed site of a mosque is being treated as a potential hate crime, police have said.

Lancashire Police said officers were looking into "a racially aggravated public order offence" at a former Methodist church on Mosley Street, Barnoldswick, on Sunday.

The force said investigating officers had visited butchers and abattoirs.

It added that patrols in the area had also been stepped up as a precaution.

Insp Claire Pearson said "hate of any form" would not be tolerated and officers were taking the incident "extremely seriously".

She said a "dedicated team of officers" was looking at what happened and "working around the clock to identify those responsible".

"I am sure the residents of Barnoldswick will be equally as appalled by this behaviour and I want to appeal directly to them to contact the police if they have any information," she added.

Ibrar Ahmed, from the Barnoldswick Islamic Centre, said what had happened was "not aligned with the spirit of Barnoldswick, where Muslims have been an integral part of the community since the 1960s".

He said the centre was "committed to fostering peace and harmony", adding: "The Barnoldswick we know and call home is a place of friendship and respect, and together, we'll ensure it stays that way."

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