June 13, 2018 9.08 am This story is over 69 months old

Latest on man’s arrest over ‘Punish a Muslim Day’ letters

“We take religious hatred very seriously”
Photo: Rowaida Abdelaziz/Twitter

The arrest of a man in Lincoln yesterday over malicious ‘Punish a Muslim Day’ letters was not in response to any immediate threat, police said.

Counter terrorism police were supported by Lincolnshire Police in arresting a 35-year-old man from South Lincoln. Offices in the city centre were also raided by officers.

The Lincoln man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, as well as sending a hoax noxious substance and threatening messages.

He was taken to a police station in West Yorkshire for questioning.

Photo: The Lincolnite

People in communities across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Leicestershire and London reported receiving hateful ‘Punish a Muslim’ letters back in March.

According to The Guardian, home secretary Sajid Javid, who was serving as communities secretary at the time, was also a recipient of the letter.

The messages encouraged violence against followers of Islam and suggesting a ‘points scoring’ system for attacks committed.

Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East said at the beginning of the investigation in March: “We take religious hatred extremely seriously and my officers will be carrying out a full and thorough investigation in response to these reports.

“These letters seek to cause fear and offence among our Muslim communities. They also seek to divide us. Yet in spite of this our communities have shown strength in their response to such hatred and in their support for each other.

“We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of such an offence to contact their local police force on 101. We’d also appeal to anyone with any information about the individual, or individuals, responsible to call police in confidence on 0800 789 321.”

CTE NE added on June 12: “We understand that people may be concerned following this activity. However, we would like to reassure communities that this activity is a result of an ongoing, intelligence led investigation and was not in response to an immediate threat.”