A petrol can was thrown over the wall of a mosque yesterday (Saturday, October 28) in what police have described as a “hate crime.”

Thames Valley Police said no one was injured in the incident at Central Oxford Mosque and that the red petrol can was empty.

But the force said the writing on the can “may be related to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.”

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The mosque has reported that the wording ‘IDF RULE’ and ‘IDF’ was written on the can in reference to the Israel Defense Forces.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident

A spokesperson said the offender approached the mosque and Islamic Cultural Society in Manzil Way from the direction of Cowley Road at around 10.30am.

They stopped just short of the main entrance then threw a red petrol can over the wall into the car park before cycling back towards Cowley Road.

DI James Holden-White said: “We are working with the mosque and local community to reassure them of their safety following this unacceptable incident, as well as conducting further patrols in the area.

“Anyone with concerns should speak to a uniformed officer or contact us by calling 101 or via our website.

“We take all reports of hate crime seriously as we know that they have a devastating impact on individual victims and targeted communities.

 “Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and all other racial and faith-based discrimination will not be tolerated in any form."

A statement from the mosque said: "We believe this attack was due to us showing our unwavering support for the innocent people of Palestine by displaying Palestine flags around our mosque.

"This attempt to scare us will not work. 

"We will continue to exercise our democratic right and show solidarity with the innocent Palestinians being massacred indiscriminately and illegally."

In a joint statement, Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds and Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said they were “shocked and saddened” by the incident.

“We stand with the Muslim community in Oxford in condemning this cowardly attack and urging people to be vigilant,” they said.

MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Layla Moran added: "I strongly condemn this attack. Islamophobia or any hate crime has no place in our society.

"Pleased that TVP has taken this seriously and I hope the full force of the law is applied to the perpetrators when they are hopefully caught."

Police said anyone with information should call 101 or make a report on its website, quoting reference number 43230484992.

Alternatively, people can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.