RACIST thugs have targeted Muslim graves in a vandal attack on an Accrington cemetery.

The attack was carried out late on Thursday and more than a dozen graves were damaged in the Muslim section of the Burnley Road cemetery.

One man whose father's headstone was damaged has criticised the authorities for not telling him about the attack. Allah Ditta, 46, of Countess Street, Accrington, was told about the wrecking spree on Saturday morning by a friend.

Mr Ditta said: "It appears whoever did this singled out the Muslim graves for some reason because none of the other headstones has been damaged.

"We were a bit concerned because no one from the authorities told us what had happened, even though there was a meeting between the elders of the local community and police the night after the attack."

He added: "These people have kicked over about 14 headstones, including my father's, and my whole family have been left very upset by what happened. This has been a very hurtful and disturbing experience for the whole family.

"We have heard absolutely nothing from the council or the police about what they are doing about the situation. It seems to me they are trying to keep the whole thing quiet. "We expected to see something in the papers, but were very surprised when nothing appeared."

Sergeant John Rigby, of Accrington police, said: "As only graves in the Muslim area were attacked we are treating this as a racist incident.

"As things stand at the moment, we have no leads whatsoever, but we would welcome any information from members of the public.

"Obviously, the Asian community is very upset about this incident but we have been liaising with the mosques. The ethnic minority team at Accrington police station are also working on the investigation."

Anyone with information should contact Accrington police on 01254 382141.

Mr Ditta is pictured lifting back his father's gravestone, helped by cousin Javed Akhtar

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