Blackburn: Men sat in cars are ‘security teams protecting mosques'

Concerns were raised by some residents who were unsure what people were doing sitting in cars at all hours of the day and night on street corners.

When first approached last month, they revealed they were ‘watching the streets’. Later, it transpired the security teams had been deployed to watch mosques and outside religious buildings following the riots in early August.

The security personnel were sat in unmarked cars sometimes in teams of four in separate vehicles. They were also believed to be taking pictures at intervals. Later they wore hi-vis jackets.

It is believed similar security has been employed outside synagogues and other religious buildings in the past.

The teams will be place for a’ number of weeks’ at locations across the country. They were also spotted at mosques in Preston and Bolton in the past month.

When approached, Blackburn with Darwen Council said they were unaware of the security teams and asked us to contact the Home Office.

The Home Office would not clarify how many security personnel were at mosques and how long they would be there. Nor would they reveal the cost of employing the personnel at the locations.

Instead, the Home Office pointed us to a government ‘rapid response process’ announcement which means mosques at risk of violent disorder ‘can be offered additional security personnel, providing communities with vital support and reassurance’. 

This aims 'to boost the work already being done by local police forces to protect these important places of worship'.

In Blackburn, the security team has been located outside a mosque on a main road for more than a month, 24 hours a day.

One resident who lives close by said: “I didn’t know who they were at first and it was quite unnerving. 

“Some women in the household were concerned that people had been parked up at all hours of the day. We had no idea who they were.

“I think once they properly explained who they were it was reassuring to know that they are protecting the mosque.”

Another resident said: “It was good to see them outside the mosque for the first week or two. I don’t think there is much need now. Are they going to be sat around for months?

“I am sure we can give the mosque the funding so they can update their own security. That would be a better use of money.”

Following the riots fuelled by the far-right hundreds of people of all ages were arrested and charged. The incident was sparked by unfounded rumours that an immigrant had carried out the horror knife attack at a Southport dance studio on July 29 that left three young girls dead.

There was violence on the streets of Southport, Liverpool, Blackpool and Bolton and further hate crime incidents reported elsewhere. 

The new ‘emergency security’ aims to build on the existing Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, with up to £29.4million already available this year to fund security at mosques and Muslim faith schools.

Speaking of the scheme during the summer Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin. 

“In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law. 

“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”