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Leeds: Police probe as yobs desecrate Muslim graves
Police are investigating claims that a Leeds graveyard wrecking spree which damaged 15 graves could have been racially motivated.
The plots in Harehills cemetery in Leeds were targeted by vandals, who smashed one headstone and damaged many more.
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Police are looking into whether the vandalism was the work of racists as all the affected plots are in the Muslim section of the graveyard.
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A police spokeswoman confirmed: "It is a line of inquiry."
However she said the 15 graves were all in a line, next to the fence around the cemetery, so it was possible opportunistic yobs had simply ruined those that were easiest to access rather targeting particular plots.
Rizvan Haq was visiting his father's grave on Thursday afternoon when he discovered the trail of destruction.
His father's plot was not affected but it was right next to those that were.
Mr Haq believes it was undamaged because it has marble around it, whereas some of the others had wooden plaques which had been broken or ripped off.
The 38-year-old, from Hyde Park, said: "I was quite upset. It was only Muslim graves that had been tampered with."
He added: "Traditionally we visit graves on Friday after Jumu`ah prayer so a lot of people had gone down and seen that their graves had been desecrated or vandalised and they informed the police.
"I can't think of someone that would want to stoop so low."
The vandals are believed to have struck between the early hours of last Thursday and Friday.
Scenes-of-crime officers were called out on Friday after people reported the upsetting scene.
Mr Haq called for better security to prevent repeat attacks.
There have already been calls for increased security there this year, as the cemetery had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, littering, dog fouling and all-hours drinking.
Graveyards at Swillington and Morley have also seen increased antisocial behaviour and petty vandalism.
Last month the YEP revealed thieves had targeted Hunslet cemetery, stealing mementoes including rosary beads and teddy bears from graves.
Families have been urging Leeds City Council to install CCTV and their calls were backed by Home Secretary Alan Johnson during a visit to Leeds this month.
Inspector Nik Adams, who leads the Gipton and Harehills Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We have worked alongside community and religious leaders to identify and contact the next of kin of those whose graves have been affected by this mindless act of vandalism.
"We have also undertaken a full forensic examination of the scene which has proved encouraging, and we are currently awaiting the results of that.
Anyone with information should contact Stainbeck CID via: 0845 60 60 606 or call Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on: 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Leeds
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
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