“The messages painted were hateful”
The vile graffiti was sprayed on the walls of the BMHC(Image: BMHC Facebook)
A charity has described the ‘deep upset’ after vile graffiti was sprayed on the walls of a Muslim centre in Manchester. The graffiti was sprayed in red on the external walls of the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) on College in Whalley Range. It included a vile anti-Islamic slur and a star.
The Manchester Evening News has chosen not to repeat the slur and to blur photos of the graffiti. Leaders at the BMHC described the graffiti as ‘hateful and deeply upsetting’ but praised the wider community for coming together in the wake of the incident.
Greater Manchester Police have been informed, the charity said in a post on Facebook, and are ‘taking the incident seriously’. The charity said neighbours have also ‘reached out’ after seeing the graffiti on the walls of the grade II listed building.
In full, the post on the BMHC Facebook page on Tuesday evening (December 23), said: “Following the vile graffiti attack on the external walls of the British Muslim Heritage Centre, we would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to our local neighbours, councillors, council officers, and Greater Manchester Police for the swift action and support shown.
Police have been informed about the incident(Image: BMHC Facebook)
“The messages painted were hateful and deeply upsetting, but the response from the wider community has been reassuring. The kindness and solidarity we have received have meant a great deal to all BMHC stakeholders.
“We are especially grateful to the police for taking the incident seriously and to the council for their support and guidance. Thank you also to neighbours who reached out, offered help, and made it clear that hatred and intimidation have no place in Whalley Range.
“BMHC exists to promote understanding, heritage, and community cohesion. Coming together at these times gives us the strength to continue with the excellent work being done and is a testament to how strong our local community is, when we stand together. Thank you again to everyone who has shown support. It has not gone unnoticed.”
According to the website, the BMHC is a ‘vibrant cultural hub and charity dedicated to showcasing Islam’s rich history, fostering community cohesion, and providing educational, social, and economic opportunities for Muslims and the wider public’.
The M.E.N has contacted GMP for a comment on this incident.