Muslims in one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse cities have suffered an increase in racist abuse and attacks since 11 September, according to research. An academic survey of racist incidents in Leicester supports fears that the UK is witnessing a rise in Islamophobia – fear or intolerance of Muslims because of their religion.

Earlier in the year, a European Union anti-racism research agency warned there was anecdotal evidence of a rise in Islamophobia. The research by the University of Leicester is the first detailed study into the actual effects of 11 September on a Muslim community.

Racist and religious attacks in Leicester rose dramatically after 11 September, the university’s research found, before dropping back during 2002.

Attacks included abuse hurled at children on their way to school or women shopping, to one reported incident where a baby was tipped out of a pram. One man reported that he had eggs thrown at him outside a supermarket and then had to run as a car was driven at him. Another victim reported that he had had to get off a bus after another passenger screamed accusations that he was a bomber.

The research also found that Hindus and Sikhs also suffered increased abuse after 11 September, although not to the same degree.

Dr Lorraine Sheridan who conducted the research for the university, said that she had been shocked by what she had found.

“The attacks are being carried out by people who don’t like Islam, the abuse is more about the religion than the race. They think that it victimises women and that Muslims refuse to integrate. The people behind the attacks think that Muslims are outside of society and they are different.

“What is of most concern is that this is happening in Leicester, a leading multi-ethnic city which is supposed to be a model for the rest of the UK.”

BBC News, 29 August 2002

Muslim groups have agreed with a report by the EU race watchdog that anti-Islamic feeling has “detonated” in the UK since 11 September.

The European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC) said there had been a big rise in attacks – including physical assaults – on Muslims in Britain since the US terror attacks.

It monitored a period from 11 September until the end of December last year, and found numerous reports of attacks on Muslim people and institutions such as mosques.

They included women and children being harassed in the street, and one taxi-driver who was paralysed from the neck down in an attack in which 11 September was mentioned.

Muslim groups said anti-Islamic feeling was still running high in the UK even now – more than eight months after the attacks thought to have been masterminded by Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden.

BBC News, 24 May 2002 report

British Muslims are not reporting attacks on mosques because they fear that to do so could raise racial tension.

Imran Rizvi, the chief spokesman on race for Manchester City Council’s ruling Labour group, said mosques had been attacked and congregations had received telephone threats. In Greater Manchester there had been “at least half a dozen attacks” on mosques and Islamic centres since Tuesday of last week.

Three incidents have been officially reported to police – two of them in Manchester, the other in Bolton where a mosque was firebombed. No one has been injured. Mr Rizvi’s remarks indicate that attacks in other towns and cities are also going unreported.

“We are not giving details because that will create tension,” said the councillor. “But there have been at least half a dozen attacks in Greater Manchester. These have included telephone threats along the lines of ‘We are going to burn you down’. There have also been other threats, intimidation and graffiti.”

Mr Rizvi, who was speaking as the city council hosted a private meeting of civic, religious and community leaders, said he believed that threats had been issued by “a small handful of idiots” who may or may not be members of racist organisations.

“There is that level of fear. You have only to look at what is happening in Bradford, Glasgow, Birmingham and London, where a taxi driver has been paralysed. Issues like that are very frightening. We want people to be vigilant and to contact the police. We will not tolerate this behaviour.”

Daily Telegraph, 20 September 2001