
Police have urged people to come together and report hate crimes on 3 April, the day that has been cruelly dubbed ‘Punish a Muslim’ day.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told indy100:
There is no credible information to suggest there is any criminal activity that will take place. However, we recognise the alarm and distress such messages cause and an investigation led by Counter-Terrorism Policing North-East, and supported by the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, is ongoing to identify those responsible.
These messages seek to cause fear and mistrust amongst our communities and to divide us. Yet in spite of this our communities have shown strength in their response to such hatred and in their support for each other.
The Met has strong working relationships with communities across London, following these concerns being expressed to us by community leaders at a recent meeting at New Scotland Yard they have been carefully considered and are informing our response.
They urge communities to take part in a #WeStandTogether campaign to “demonstrate once again that London is a tolerant city”.
Tell MAMA, an organisation that records and measures anti-Muslim incidents in the UK, have released a security bulletin with safety tips for outwardly identifying Muslims, especially women.
#WeStandTogether: If extremists seek division, we rise above. If extremists cause harm, we rise above. If you face… https://t.co/KrE2YoKEpD— Tell MAMA UK (@Tell MAMA UK) 1522743494
The threatening letters sent to Muslim households and the targeting of four Muslim MPs shows how extremists want us to be fearful as they seek to threaten our individual freedoms and our institutions.
"Whilst we share your deep concerns and fears, we recommend that you continue your daily routines while remaining vigilant and continue to look out for each other," Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole told The National.
"It’s not only in the City of London that police are aware of the potential threat.
We have operational plans in place should anything happen on what will hopefully be an ordinary day.
Some Muslims are understandably afraid.
Lots of organisations are expressing solidarity with Muslims using the hashtag #WeStandTogether.
Like Board of Deputies of British Jews.
#WeStandTogether in solidarity with Muslims in Britain, particularly women who are often more likely to be targeted… https://t.co/JWC5QnF3t0— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@Board of Deputies of British Jews) 1522748228
And the Women's Equality Party.
No one should face the threat of violence or hate for being who they are. Solidarity today with our Muslim friends,… https://t.co/2yd3ey91Fw— WEP Lambeth (@WEP Lambeth) 1522751486
Transport for London.
We’re working with @BTP and @MetPoliceUK to stamp out hate crime on public transport. Call 101 or text 61016 to rep… https://t.co/98twTEn3gq— Transport for London (@Transport for London) 1522750204
Islington Council.
Islington continues to stand together against any attempts to divide us @IFForum1 @Mwh_London @FPMosque… https://t.co/6eGet9WDwy— Islington Council (@Islington Council) 1522746075
People, too are coming out in droves to extend their support to Muslims.
Useful safety tips to keep in mind on any given day, don’t let #PunishAMuslimDay deter you from going about your da… https://t.co/bkMjdadPQ8— Steve Rose (@Steve Rose) 1522745579
Be safe #London and not afraid to stand out in your chosen faith, I often get mistaken for Muslim #peacetoall #WeStandTogether #nofearnohate— Taran Kaur (@Taran Kaur) 1522737224
Others are encouraging people to use the opportunity to #TweetAMuslim.
Please please #TweetAMuslim or #talktoamuslim tomorrow to let them know you stand with them against the hate promot… https://t.co/5UwSlTKMH2— Tara Hewitt - Girly Swot 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⛤🖖 (@Tara Hewitt - Girly Swot 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⛤🖖) 1522709615
Anybody with information about hate crime is urged to contact police via 101 or through twitter @MetCC
In an emergency, phone 999.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously to report crime on 0800 555 111.
If you have witnessed discrimination or harassment, or if you've experienced it yourself you can also contact Tell MAMA