Leicester Muslim-Hindu Clashes Spread to Smethwick as Masked Mob Descends on Hindu Temple

Gareth Davies, The Telegraph, September 21, 2022

The violent clashes between Muslims and Hindus in Leicester have spread almost 50 miles to Smethwick.  Widespread disorder has led to 47 arrests, with a faith leader saying it was sparked by a “country-based dispute” after Pakistan beat India in a cricket match in Dubai in Aug 28.  The violence is believed to have been between Muslim and Hindu communities, with Suleman Nagdi, from the city’s Federation of Muslim Organisations, saying “loyalties kicked in” after the cricket.

But fake news spread online including false claims of an attempted kidnap of a teenage girl, unfounded reports of mosque attacks and inaccurate accounts of violence have also contributed to disorder, The Times reported.  Independent MP for Leicester East Claudia Webbe previously said some social media accounts appeared to be “preying on this unease” by “spreading misinformation”.

She wrote to Leicestershire Police’s temporary chief constable at the start of the month, and then again, before the weekend’s recent trouble, urging vigilance, and passing on reports “of incitement to hate targeting at those of Muslim of Hindu faith”...........To Read More.....

• Leicester Disorder: Fear Lingers Among City’s Muslims and Hindus BBC - They hate each other.