Muslim graves attacked

Damage to grave in the Muslim section of Chadderton Cemetery.

VANDALS have desecrated Muslim graves in Chadderton Cemetery.

Police were called by the distraught relative of a woman buried within the Muslim section of the cemetery in Middleton Road, and found 10 damaged graves. Only graves in the Muslim section had been targeted.

Sgt Jon Martin said: “Given that only the Muslim section was targeted, it has to be treated as racially motivated. That makes it even more sickening.

“This isn’t just wanton racism but the deliberate, cruel act of desecrating the memory of Muslims buried at the cemetery.”

Wooden grave markers and headstones were uprooted from four adjoining graves, one of which had a brass plaque ripped from the headstone. Flowers on other graves were trampled and the flowers scattered, while flowers on four other graves were kicked over.

Sgt Martin said: “The distress this has caused to the families who have loved ones buried here is immeasurable.”

The attack occurred between 8.30pm on Friday and 7.30pm on Saturday. Call police on 0161- 856 68814 or 0161-856 8915 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, with information