Police and anti-terrorism officials have been contacted
Fulwood Academy in Preston has suspended two students after they allegedly ripped up the Qur’an in front of other students. This is one of two reported incidents that resulted in the police and anti-terrorism officials being contacted.
Principal Dave Lancaster said that he immediately contacted the authorities after the incidents were brought to his attention. This included the local constabulary, as well as the anti-terrorist initiative Prevent. The agency aims to rehabilitate and support those that are vulnerable to extremist ideology.
Letter from our respected colleague Shaykh @mfarookkazi regarding the desecration of the Quran at Fulwood Academy, Preston pic.twitter.com/hWlPzbj3u8
— Dr Yusuf Shabbir (@ibn_shabbir) June 14, 2021
A spokesperson for the Lancashire police released a statement addressing the issue.
A Lancashire Constabulary spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of two isolated incidents which took place last week and we are working closely with the school to address these matters. Our enquiries are very much ongoing.
‘Everyone in our county should be allowed to live their lives free from harassment and the fear of hate crime.
‘Hate crime causes great distress to its victims and we are committed to investigating all crimes and incidents motivated by hate, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.’
Metro reports that criminal charges will come from the Crown Prosecution Service, so the incident could take some time to resolve.
On Sunday the 13th of June, Lancaster and the chair of governors Joan Dean released a letter addressed to the parents. The portion of the letter reads as follows:
‘While clearly there need to be ramifications for those involved, it is also vital that we understand what caused these acts, which we have never seen in our school before, to take place as they have.
‘We cannot do this alone.
‘We are working with the police and have already contracted all appropriate authorities.
‘Above all, however, we have reached out to local Imams to ask for their support in helping us respond to this.
‘We are deeply aware that we need to heal the hurt that has undoubtedly been caused, and look at what we can do to support all members of the Fulwood Academy community.’
