No place for hate: Police and Council jointly respond to racially aggravated crime

The Council has spoken out following a racially aggravated hate crime that took place at a house in Blackburn last week.

The authority is working closely with Police following the disturbing incident, after a pig’s head and a brick were thrown through the front window of a residential house on Shear Brow on February 18. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We are so sorry this has happened in our town and that innocent people have been affected. Acts of this kind are designed to divide us.

“We take great pride in our diversity here, it’s definitely one of our strengths. Just this weekend we were celebrating the very best of Blackburn and our community cohesion with dozens of inspirational people. There is no place in our town for hate crime of any type.

“We know that incidents of this kind are few and far between and that’s down to efforts of many to build a strong and united community.  People getting on with their daily lives was the best way to stand up to hatred.

“We are continuing to work with Police and other agencies to ensure the full facts of this incident are brought to light and support those who have been affected by this vile action.

“I would urge anyone who has any concerns to report anything that might be linked to hate crime or terrorism to police. You are the eyes and ears of our communities and early intervention can and will prevent anything like this from happening ever again.”

Chief Inspector Steph Armes from Lancashire Constabulary said the investigation into the incident of “racially aggravated criminal damage” at Shear Brow, Blackburn is ongoing.

Chief Insp Armes added: “The team are going through ring doorbell and CCTV footage and have been conducting house to house enquiries within the neighbourhood.

“I would like to appeal to residents in the Shear Brow and surrounding area to check their CCTV, ring doorbell or dashcam footage from 2215hrs to 2245hrs on 18th February 2024.

“If you find anything that could assist with our investigation, please share this with us by calling 101, quoting log 1384 of 18th February.

“Community cohesion in Blackburn is outstanding, Lancashire Constabulary proudly work closely with partners and the local community.

“Fortunately, this type of behaviour is rare in our area and we are treating it as an isolated incident.  We do not tolerate hate crime of any form and will do everything within our power to identify the offenders and take appropriate action.”