Police launch hate crime investigation after bacon left at mosque

A police investigation has been launched after bacon was left at a mosque.

Avon and Somerset Police says the incident, which happened during the first week of Ramadan, is being treated as a hate crime. The bacon was placed on a glass door at the mosque in Cheltenham Road, Bristol, during prayer on Friday. Police have increased patrols in the area while inquiries continue. Serena Serjeant, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This was a deliberate act which has caused significant concern to the community during a period of heightened religious observance and we will not tolerate hate in our communities. “We promptly attended the scene upon receiving the report and we are continuing to engage with mosque leaders throughout Ramadan following this appalling incident, and we will continue to offer our support and assurance. “We are treating this as a religiously-aggravated public order offence and we would urge anybody with information on the incident or the identity of the individual concerned to contact us.” The incident was reported to police at around 2.15pm on Friday. Avon and Somerset Police has issued an image of a man officers would like to speak to because he may hold information which could assist the investigation. He has has been described as having a bald head and was wearing hi-vis trousers and a dark jacket. Anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference 5226049136.

Published: 23/02/2026 by Radio NewsHub