Police Investigation Underway After Racist Graffiti Targets Birmingham Islamic Centre
West Midlands Police have launched a full investigation after a Birmingham Islamic centre was targeted with racist graffiti in what authorities are treating as a religiously aggravated hate crime. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from community leaders, faith groups, and local politicians.
Attack on Community Centre
The hateful messages were daubed on the exterior walls of the Jami Community and Education Centre, located just off Kingstanding Circle, during the early hours of Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The graffiti specifically targeted Muslims and has left the local community feeling vulnerable and distressed.
Superintendent Haroon Chughtai from Birmingham Police stated emphatically: "We simply don't tolerate any form of racist or hateful graffiti, and we are working at pace to find whoever was responsible. Any attempt to spread hatred in Birmingham is deplorable."
Community Response and Support
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, a community meeting was convened that brought together local MPs, West Midlands Police representatives, councillors, and leaders from various faith communities. This demonstration of solidarity aimed to reassure affected residents and coordinate a response to the incident.
Khalid Hussain, a volunteer at the centre, expressed his feelings about the attack: "It's left me feeling saddened. A few people are trying to divide us. We've had people from the church and various backgrounds coming to support us. We are not going to let the minority ruin what we have. They can't divide us - we are the Kingstanding community."
Pattern of Harassment
Dr Mohammed Amin from the centre revealed that this was not an isolated incident. "We purchased this building seven months ago," he explained. "The first time we were abused was five months ago when abusive words were written on the front wall. Then we put in gates. In the month of Ramadan, three windows were smashed at the side. We caught them on CCTV. The police gave us a crime reference number. Last night was the third attack."
The centre, which was previously a church building, had been renovated by the community after being abandoned. "We cleaned it up and started using it," Dr Amin continued. "It was abandoned and now it looks nice. We have plans to increase the capacity and have more classes. We are doing this for our community and it's scary, it's not safe. We are following the law and we will not stop."
Police Action and Community Reassurance
West Midlands Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as racially and religiously aggravated criminal damage. A police spokesperson stated: "Due to the nature of the graffiti, we are treating this as racially/religiously aggravated criminal damage. We understand the concern that this has caused, and Dedicated Neighbourhood Officers are in contact with worshippers and leaders at the mosque."
To reassure the local community, police patrols in the area have been increased significantly. Authorities are actively appealing for information from the public to help identify those responsible for the attack.
Appeal for Information
Superintendent Chughtai made a direct appeal to the public: "I would urge anyone with information, or footage – including CCTV, dashcam, and doorbell video – to please get in touch with us."
West Midlands Police emphasized their commitment to tackling hate crimes, stating: "We take all forms of hate crime seriously, and every report of it made to us is investigated as we work to bring offenders to justice."
The police have provided multiple channels for information:
- Call 101 quoting crime reference number 20/198964/26
- Use the Live Chat function on the West Midlands Police website
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111
Despite the distressing nature of the attack, community members remain determined to continue their work. Dr Amin highlighted their positive community engagement, noting that during Eid celebrations they had set up a stall outside with tea, coffee, biscuits and flowers to welcome all members of the community.
