Police appeal for information after large group spray graffiti on walls of Islamic Centre in 'politically motivated' incident

Police are continuing to appeal for information after a group of ten people sprayed graffiti on the walls of an Islamic Centre in what has been called a 'politically motivated' incident. The disturbance, which occurred late on Sunday night (September 25) at the Islamic Centre on Sidney Street, Manchester, also saw a man injured after challenging the group's behaviour.

The force has since said they will be stepping up patrols around mosques and Islamic centres following the 'disturbance' amid protests taking place across the world following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran. Police also believe the incident to be linked to a protest in the city centre earlier in the day and have now launched an investigation.

Officers attended the scene at around 11.10pm, with initial enquiries suggesting that a group of around ten people entered the Islamic Centre before proceeding to spray graffiti on the walls with paint cans. One member of the group has then assaulted a male who challenged their behaviour, by throwing one of the paint cans at his face and cutting his cheek.

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One man has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage in connection with the incident, police said. It follows on from protests across the world following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran. The 22-year-old woman died in police custody after being arrested for breaking hijab laws.

Superintendent Ian Jones, of GMPs City of Manchester division, said: “Since last night we have launched a full investigation into this incident and as previously reported we have made one arrest of a male on suspicion of criminal damage. We believe that the incident was