Peterborough Mosques Tighten Security After Attack

Published: 28 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Mosques across Peterborough have announced a series of enhanced security measures following a disturbing incident of religiously aggravated harassment at the city’s Darassalaam Mosque. The move comes after growing concern within the Muslim community about safety during prayer times.

The incident occurred at approximately 06:45 BST on Friday when a 57-year-old man entered the Alma Road Mosque and began acting in a disorderly and abusive manner during morning prayers, attended by around 25 worshippers. Police were called immediately, and the man was taken into custody on-site.

He appeared before Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court the following day, where he admitted to charges of religiously aggravated harassment and assaulting an emergency worker. However, he denied additional charges of racially aggravated harassment and racially aggravated public order offences. He has since been released on bail with strict conditions, including a ban on entering any mosque in the city until his next court appearance scheduled for 26 November at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.

Abdul Choudhuri, chairman of Peterborough’s Joint Mosque Council (JMC), said the local Muslim community remains “very concerned but not frightened.” He confirmed that mosques across the city will now open only 30 minutes before prayer times and close shortly after each session, a precaution intended to safeguard worshippers.

“Traditionally, mosques are open throughout the day, allowing people to come and go freely,” Choudhuri explained. “But in light of this incident, we’ve decided to tighten our belts on security matters. We still welcome anyone who wishes to visit, but vigilance has become essential.”

Despite the heightened precautions, Mr. Choudhuri emphasized that community life will continue as normal, with all classes and religious activities proceeding as planned. “We are determined not to let those spreading Islamophobia win,” he added. “An attack on one faith community is an attack on all. Today it was a mosque; tomorrow it could be a church, temple, or gurdwara. We must stand together as one voice.”

A volunteer from the Darassalaam Mosque expressed gratitude to the worshippers who helped police subdue the suspect during the incident. “We have about 300 children and young people attending classes here,” the volunteer said. “We’ve assured parents that the mosque remains a safe place. We’ve introduced two volunteer security personnel during children’s sessions, and our caretaker is now monitoring CCTV cameras more closely.”

Local authorities have also taken steps to reassure the community. Superintendent Ben Martin of Cambridgeshire Police stated, “We recognise the impact this incident has had and understand the anxiety it’s caused. Our team worked swiftly to bring the suspect before the courts, and there will be an increased police presence around mosques across Peterborough in the coming days.”

City council leader Shabina Qayyum expressed solidarity with the Muslim community, pledging to raise the issue with national officials. “We must ensure that our Muslim residents feel safe, respected, and protected from intimidation and abuse,” she said.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about faith-based hate crimes in the UK, with many religious leaders calling for unity and stronger interfaith cooperation. While community members remain shaken, their collective response has been one of resilience and determination to maintain harmony.

A quiet sense of vigilance now surrounds Peterborough’s mosques as worshippers continue their daily prayers, standing firm against hatred and reaffirming their commitment to peace and inclusion.