JERSEY “will not tolerate any form of hate crime”, police have said, following the arrest of a 51-year-old man on suspicion of a “racially-motivated” attack against two Muslim men.
The force said in a statement this afternoon that an assault was reported to have taken place around 2pm on Friday outside Jersey’s Islamic Centre on Aquila Road.
Fortunately, neither was seriously injured, officers said.
They added that an investigation was now underway and that a 51-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of common assault and disorderly conduct.
“We will not tolerate any form of hate crime, which can have a harmful ripple effect across our Island,” police said.
“Our Police Community Safety Team is working to support members of the Muslim community connected to Jersey’s Islamic Centre,” they added.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham later commented that the assault was “deeply concerning”.
“The Muslim community in Jersey has my full support,” he added. “
No one should ever feel unsafe or singled out because of their faith or background. Behaviour of this kind is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our Island.
“Jersey is a community that respects and values people of all backgrounds and beliefs, and we stand together against discrimination and hatred in any form.”
