Leyton News

Police investigate Islamophobic graffiti sprayed on Leyton mosques

The graffiti was sprayed at three separate Leyton locations including a Muslim primary school last week

Credit: Google Streetview

Islamophobic graffiti was sprayed on a school and two Leyton mosques in the space of two days last week. 

Leyton Jamia Masjid and Albirr Foundation Mosque were both targeted on Thursday (23rd January) and Noor Ul Islam Primary School was daubed in graffiti on Saturday (25th January).

The Metropolitan Police, which is treating the incidents as hate crimes, is investigating whether there is any link to the graffiti and an anti-Muslim group on Telegram that is reportedly offering £100 for the graffiti attacks.

No arrests have yet been made.

Anti-Muslim graffiti has also sprayed on four other buildings across London in the past month, the Met said. This includes the Stratford Mosque which Newham Mayor Rosksana Fiaz said was “deeply troubling and concerning”.

Met deputy assistant commissioner Jon Savell, said: “We understand that Muslim communities will be feeling particularly concerned for their safety following this series of shocking hate crimes.

“Hate has no place on our streets, and tackling it is at the centre of our efforts to make Londoners from all backgrounds and communities feel safe.

“Our local officers will continue to work with community leaders and ensure that a thorough investigation is being conducted”.

Responding to the graffiti on social media, Leyton and Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey said: I am very disturbed by the appalling racist vandalism that has been directed at mosques and religious centres in Leyton. It does not reflect our community and we will not stand for vile hatred. I will liaise with Police and community leaders to offer my support.”

Police are urging anyone with information about the incidents to contact them on 101


No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit 

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month.  £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.

Donate now with Pay Pal

More information on supporting us monthly or annually 

More Information about donations

Our newspaper and website are made possible by the support of readers and by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider helping us to continue to bring you news by disabling your ad blocker or supporting us with a small regular payment.