Essex Police seek two men following vandalization of Islamic centre

Essex Police seek two men following vandalization of Islamic centre
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Essex Police are looking for two men suspected of vandalizing the South Essex Islamic Trust’s building in Vange, near Basildon, according to a BBC News report. The incident, which was reported on Thursday night, involved spray-painted graffiti including a St George’s Cross, “This is England,” and “Christ is King.”

The leader of Basildon Council, Gavin Callaghan, described the act as “pathetic criminal cowardice” and “targeted.” He wrote on Facebook that “To do this right before Friday prayers is no coincidence.”

Saima Rafiq of the Islamic trust said she was “disturbed” by the graffiti but was heartened by the community’s support. She stated that such acts are “based on perception rather than facts” and are committed by a “small number of people, a minority.” Her husband, Husman, noted that their family has been in the area since 1962 and they are British nationals.

Police have described the first suspect as a white man in his 30s wearing black trousers and a grey sleeveless Lonsdale jumper. The second is a tall white man who wore grey shorts, a hoodie, and white trainers. Police have urged anyone with information or CCTV footage to contact them.