City leaders and community partners have united to condemn a series of suspected race hate crimes in York, sending a clear message: hate will not be tolerated.
A spate of incidents in the Hull Road area has raised serious concerns, with the latest taking place at the tennis courts in Hull Road Park on Sunday 22 June around 5.10pm. During the attack, two Muslim men were assaulted with tennis rackets and sticks by a group of balaclava-clad youths, while being subjected to racist abuse.
The group of suspects, estimated to be around 15 teenage boys, are known to ride mountain bikes and have reportedly been involved in previous anti-social behaviour in the area.
Inspector Nick Plumb of York’s Neighbourhood Policing Team stated:
“Alongside City of York Council and the York Human Rights City Network, we are working closely with York Mosque to provide reassurance and make it crystal clear that race hate crime will not be tolerated in York.
Our team is actively developing intelligence to identify those responsible and ensure they face consequences.
I urge any parents or carers who suspect their teenage boys may have been involved to get in touch now—before we come knocking at your doors.”
City of York Council leaders also spoke out, with Council Leader Claire Douglas and Executive Member for Safer Communities, Cllr Michael Pavlovic, saying:
“This is not what our city is about. York is a Human Rights City, and we stand firm in protecting our communities from hate, discrimination and violence.
We are working with police, schools and community groups to support those affected and help prevent this from happening again.”
The York Human Rights City Network also issued a statement of support:
“We are saddened by the recent racially motivated attacks in Hull Road Park and nearby. We send strength and solidarity to those targeted.
There is no place in our city for racism, hatred or violence. We believe in a vibrant, diverse and safe York, and we all have a role to play in building that together.”
Witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police by calling 101 and quoting reference 12250113313.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online.
Victims of anti-Muslim hate can also report incidents via Tell MAMA, a national support project and Third Party Reporting Centre for the Muslim community. Visit Tell MAMA for more information.
Stay with YO1 Radio for the latest updates on this developing story.
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