'Punish a Muslim Day': councils reassure Islamic communities

The letters, which were put through people’s doors in a number of towns and cities in the UK, detail a list of violent acts.

They included a ‘points system’, with perpetrators increasingly ‘rewarded’ for verbal abuse, pulling off headscarves, conducting acid attacks or bombing Mosques.

Responding to the threatening A4 leaflets, community leaders have urged people to report any evidence of such hate crimes to the police.

Cllr Tom Miller, responsible for stronger communities at Brent Council, said: “Brent is no place for hate.

“Let me be clear; these disgusting messages and their attempts to normalise hatred towards Muslims will absolutely not be tolerated.

“We are in close contact with the Metropolitan Police Service and are working hard to support residents to feel safe in Brent.

“We are proud to be home to one of the most diverse communities in the UK and if anyone believes they have been the victim of a hate crime or knows someone who has, I would urge them to contact the local police force on 101 or 999 for emergencies.”

His words were echoed by the council in neighbouring Harrow, which said it wanted to reassure residents that it always will work to ensure their safety.

A spokesperson said: “We know of no letters received at all in Harrow at this time, but obviously communities are concerned. We are working, as we always do, with them directly.”

Several letters were reported to Tell Mama UK, which monitors anti-Muslim activity in Britain.

Any instances of Islamophobia can be brought to their attention and the group will highlight such cases to the police.

It said the subject was being treated with “the utmost seriousness” and published a list of safety tips for those who were concerned about the letters.

According to the most recent census, almost one in five people in Brent describe themselves as Muslim, while 13 per cent of Harrow’s population follow Islam.