BLACKBURN MOSQUE ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING SUSPECTED ARSON ATTACK AS UK SEES INCREASE IN ANTI-MUSLIM HATE CRIMES

Sun 14 June 2026:

A mosque in Blackburn has released a statement after a suspected arson attack targeted a building linked to its premises, lancs.live reported.

Emergency services were called to the property next door to Masjid-e-Quwwatul Islam on Stansfield Street shortly after 11.30pm on Saturday night (June 13). Lancashire Police said the fire involved the rear of an empty building and was extinguished by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS).

It’s understood the mid-terraced property, which is owned by the mosque, is derelict and currently being renovated. No injuries were reported, and the mosque said no part of the masjid sustained any major damage.

Police said the fire is being treated as suspicious and an investigation is underway.

A statement from the mosque shared on the Blackburn Muslim Facebook page said: “Assalamu Alaykum WW, we wish to inform the community that last night an incident took place at the masjid involving a fire being deliberately set at the rear of the building. The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, who are currently investigating.

“By the grace of Allah, no one was hurt or injured, and no part of the masjid sustained major damage. We would like to thank the emergency services and all those who offered support and concern following the incident.

“We urge all members of the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. At the same time, we encourage everyone to remain calm, united, and continue supporting one another during this time.

“The masjid and madrassah will continue to operate as normal, and we ask for your prayers for the safety and protection of our community. May Allah keep everyone safe.”

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Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

A force spokesperson told LancsLive: “We were called by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service at 11.34pm yesterday to a report of a fire at the rear of an empty building on Stansfield Street, Blackburn. The fire was extinguished by colleagues from LFRS.

“The cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious, and it is being investigated. Any witnesses or anyone with information, please contact 101 – quoting log 1640 of June 13.”

LFRS said: “At 23:05 on 13 June 2026, one fire engine from Darwen attended a fire in an alleyway on Stansfeld Street in Blackburn. The cause if the fire is under investigation.”

Rising hate in the UK

Anti-Muslim hate crimes and discrimination have surged significantly across the UK. According to statistics from Tell MAMA and the Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU), reports of anti-Muslim hostility and assaults have spiked dramatically. This alarming trend is fueled by geopolitical conflicts, misinformation, far-right mobilization, and polarizing political rhetoric.

Geopolitical Events: The intensification of the conflict in Gaza triggered a historic surge in anti-Muslim sentiment and hate speech. Reports to UK advocacy units multiplied, with many incidents occurring in workplaces and educational settings.

Disinformation and Far-Right Riots: Misinformation surrounding the Southport murders and grooming gangs was weaponized by far-right groups, leading to widespread mobilization and direct attacks on mosques and Muslim communities.

Political Rhetoric: Mainstream political rhetoric and media headlines have been criticized for normalizing hostility, casting British Muslims as “outsiders” or “sympathizers”.

Surveys have indicated that the vast majority of UK Muslims report an increase in Islamophobia, with many feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods and fearful for their local places of worship.

For many visibly Muslim individuals—particularly women wearing the hijab—Islamophobia impacts daily life, including barriers in the workplace, discrimination during job interviews, and verbal or physical street-level abuse.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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