Supporting communities after latest distressing incidents – www.watford.gov.uk

I needed to offer an replace following the surprising and saddening latest occasions – with the assault on a synagogue in Manchester and the arson assault at a mosque in East Sussex – deeply affecting communities throughout the nation. It has been a tragic reminder of the significance of standing collectively in opposition to hatred and intolerance in all varieties.

Sadly, over the previous few days we’ve got additionally seen regarding incidents right here in Watford, with graffiti showing at a number of of our native religion websites: the Imam Hussein Foundation Centre, North Watford Mosque, and the quickly to be transformed St Thomas Church. These acts are utterly unacceptable and go in opposition to the values of respect and unity that outline our city.

Hertfordshire Police have confirmed that an individual was arrested on Sunday 5 October on suspicion of religiously aggravated legal injury following graffiti assaults at Mosques within the county.

The council is in common contact with the Police, who’re treating these issues with the seriousness they deserve. We proceed to assist the Police of their engagement with our communities, guaranteeing that these affected obtain reassurance and sensible assist.

The Police have confirmed elevated patrol exercise and engagement in any respect mosques and synagogues throughout related occasions, in addition to at different religion premises throughout the world, to offer additional reassurance and visibility.

Our precedence is to face firmly with all our residents in opposition to hatred and division, and to make sure that Watford stays a spot the place everybody feels secure, welcome, and revered.

Please report any important issues on to the Police. You can name the non-emergency quantity, 101, or report online. If there may be a direct hazard, at all times name 999.

Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford with the Watford Inter-Faith Association, which goals to carry collectively folks of all faiths and none, to study and perceive about every others’ religion or perception techniques and to look out for one another at occasions of stress and battle.