The United Kingdom (UK) Home Office has announced the introduction of a new “rapid response” security scheme for mosques.
This decision comes amidst a surge of violent riots and anti-Muslim sentiment sweeping across the country. Earlier this week, three young girls were stabbed to death which shocked the nation.
Read more: 91 killed as protests in Bangladesh demand PM Hasina’s resignation
According to Reuters, large disturbances broke out in Southport, a town in England’s northwest, after false information was spread on social media that the suspect in the stabbings was a radical Islamist migrant, with anti-immigrant protesters descending on Southport town from elsewhere.
Police have said the attack was not terrorism-related and that the suspect was born in Britain, quashing speculation on his origins.
According to the Home Office, the rapid response process means mosques at risk of violent disorder can be offered additional security personnel, providing communities with vital support and reassurance.
Under the new process now in place, the police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed, protecting communities and allowing for a return to worship as quickly as possible.
