UK police forces up patrols around places of worship after spike in Islamophobic hate crime

Dedicated officers encouraging places of worship to report hate crimes and moving to reassure people who congregate there

Men leave the East London Mosque after attending the first Friday prayers of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan (Getty)

The number of police officers around places of worship has increased in response to a spike in hate crime following the Borough Market terror attack.

Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer said in a statement: “Over the next few days, communities of different faiths will congregate across London to celebrate their holy days.

“We know many will reflect on the terrible events of last Saturday evening in their readings and prayers but also that some will feel worried and vulnerable about their safety as they gather in their places of worship.

“To help support these communities, we have increased the number of officers on the streets to reassure local people that they are able to go about their daily lives in peace and without fear of harassment or intimidation.”

Figures show Islamophobic hate crimes increased fivefold immediately after the terror attack last Saturday, which caused the deaths of eight people and injured dozens more.

Data collected by the Metropolitan Police revealed a 40 per cent increase in racist incidents on 6 June, compared with an average day last year.

Incidents which listed Islam as a trigger rose to 54, compared to 38 same time last year.

Muslims across the UK are observing the holy month of Ramadan, marking a period of fasting and increased attendance to mosque prayers.

The Metropolitan Police has made more than 25 arrests for hate crime offences since last Saturday, and have encouraged people to come forward and report any abuse they see.

If you have witnessed a hate crime, or were the recipient of race or religious-based abuse, you can report it through 999 in an emergency or by dialling 101 in a non-emergency.

You may also report the crime directly at a police station, through the MOPAC Hate Crime App or through community reporting methods such as TellMAMA.