Police are continuing to investigate after two more hateful messages were found scrawled on the gates of a mosque in Preston.

A major hate crime investigation is under way after the Masjid E Salaam was targeted in Watling Street Road, Fulwood.

Racist slurs had been scrawled on the gate posts outside the mosque during Friday (19 April) and police now say two further incidents have taken place.

Racist messages were found at 10.45pm on Saturday (20 April) and again at 6.15am on Sunday (21 April).

The mosque had removed the graffiti but police say the same gate posts have been targeted each time.

Chief Inspector Gary Crowe said: “There have now been three reports in a matter of days and this is understandably causing a lot of upset and concern in the local community. I would like to reassure people, especially worshippers in the area, that we are taking this extremely seriously.

“This is completely unacceptable, hateful vandalism and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are working to get the most recent graffiti removed as quickly as possible and would like to thank the community for their support with our investigation so far.

“We will continue to maintain a presence in the area and are following up on forensic and CCTV enquiries.

“I would urge anyone with any information at all to speak to us as soon as possible.”

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Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log number 424 of 21st April.

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