Police have confirmed a hate crime carried out at a mosque is not being treated as terrorism as new CCTV images are released.

Thames Valley Police released the images of an individual officers believe may have information about the case earlier today (Friday, November 3).

An empty red petrol can was thrown over the wall into the car park of the Oxford Mosque and Islamic Cultural Society on Manzil Way at 10.30am on Saturday, (28/10). 

The petrol can had the letters ‘IDF’ written on it – the initials of the Israeli Defence Forces. No one was injured.

Local Policing Area Commander for Oxford, Superintendent Bruce Riddell, said: “I would like to appeal to anyone who recognises the individual in these images or anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and may have dash-cam footage, to please get in touch as they may have vital information about the incident.

“As part of our investigation, we are working with the mosque and local community to reassure them of their safety following this unacceptable hate crime incident, as well as conducting further patrols in the area.

“We are aware of some local concerns that this incident is being treated as terrorism. I would like to clarify and reassure people that this is not the case.

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

“All reports of hate crime are taken seriously as we know that they have a significant 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."

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference number 43230484992.

Alternatively, people who wish to remain anonymous, can also provide information to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.

This incident came a week after a man was arrested on suspicion of a religiously aggravated attack in East Oxford involving an axe.

The incidents come amid tension in Palestine and Israel as bloody attacks on Israeli civilians have been followed by bombardment of Gaza and a military blockade.

A statement from the mosque at the time of the petrol can incident 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.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1