Politicians across all parties have condemned the vandalism at the Cornwall Islamic Community Centre near Truro. Police are treating the incident as "racially aggravated criminal damage until such time as the evidence suggests otherwise".
The attack caused substantial damage to the metal gates at the centre in Quenchwell Road, near Carnon Downs, overnight between Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 18. Investigators believe a vehicle was deliberately driven into the gates. An unknown substance, possibly oil, was also poured within the grounds and on the exterior wall.
Local authorities and politicians moved quickly to denounce the attack. In a social media statement, a Cornwall Council spokesperson said the council was "deeply concerned and appalled" by what happened.
"We strongly condemn this hateful and unacceptable act. There is no place for racism, Islamophobia or faith-based hatred in Cornwall," the spokesperson said. "Cornwall is a welcoming place, enriched by people from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life who call it home. Incidents like this remind us of the importance of standing together against racism and prejudice and of supporting one another as a community."
Councillors Karl Ramshaw and Richard Brickell, chairmen of Kea and Feock Parish Councils respectively, joined Cornwall councillor Martyn Alvey in a joint message decrying the attack. The centre sits on the border of the two parishes.
Citing the Cornish motto "One and all", they said: "The centre has been a part of our community for almost 20 years, and provides a place of both community and worship for those of the Islamic faith in Cornwall. But beyond that,
Politicians Unite to Condemn Cornwall Islamic Centre Attack