AN attack of vandalism on the Cornwall Islamic Community Centre near Truro has been roundly condemned by politicians from all parties.

Substantial damage was caused to the metal gates at the centre in Quenchwell Road, near Carnon Downs, overnight between Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 18. It is believed the gates were deliberately struck by a vehicle. In addition, an unknown substance, possibly oil, was poured within the grounds and on the exterior wall of the centre.

Police are treating the incident as “racially aggravated criminal damage until such time as the evidence suggests otherwise”.

Local authorities and politicians were quick to denounce the perpetrators. In a statement on social media, a spokesperson for Cornwall Council said it was “deeply concerned and appalled” by the incident.

“We strongly condemn this hateful and unacceptable act. There is no place for racism, Islamophobia or faith-based hatred in Cornwall,” said the spokesperson. “Cornwall is a welcoming place, enriched by people from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life who call it home. Incidents like this remind us of the importance of standing together against racism and prejudice and of supporting one another as a community.”

Cornwall Islamic Community Centre
Cornwall Islamic Community Centre (Google Maps)

In a joint message, councillors Karl Ramshaw and Richard Brickell, chairmen of Kea and Feock Parish Councils respectively, joined Cornwall councillor Martyn Alvey in decrying the attack on the centre, which sits on the border of the two parishes.

Citing the Cornish motto “One and all”, they said: “The centre has been a part of our community for almost 20 years, and provides a place of both community and worship for those of the Islamic faith in Cornwall. But beyond that, those who use the centre have done much good over the years to support those in need locally - whatever their faith, or with no faith at all.

“The people who did this don’t speak for the people of Feock and Kea parishes or Cornwall. Our thoughts are with those who use the community centre as they recover from both the emotional impact of the incident and work to repair the damage caused to their beloved community centre.”

Cornwall’s MPs also stood firm with the centre’s worshippers. Jayne Kirkham, Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth, said: “This is not Cornwall. We stand together. Onen hag oll.”

Meanwhile, Andrew George, LibDem MP for West Cornwall, recalled how in 2008, the centre had received the “powerful support” of the Bishop of Truro, the chairman of Cornwall's Methodist Circuit and the Catholic Church when it acquired the former Quenchwell Chapel.

He revealed concerns about racial tensions had been raised at his public meeting in Penzance on Friday night. “Whether it's balaclava-clad blackshirt, far-right activists threatening to be bussed into Cornwall to protest against our wonderful RNLI volunteers, or these racist bigots attacking one of our many religious communities, it's important that good people stand together in solidarity against such threats,” he said.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Islamic Community Centre said: “We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support, kindness and solidarity from people across Cornwall and beyond. We are truly grateful to everyone who has reached out, donated, shared our fundraiser or simply sent a message of support. Your kindness means more to us than we can put into words. Thank you for standing with us.”

The mosque has set up an account for donations to support the centre with the costs of repairs and improving security, at www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/3EPA6ZSF3BGFJ.

Anyone with information that could assist the police investigation should contact Devon and Cornwall Police via its website or the non-emergency number 101, quoting log no 169 of 18/9/26. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously via freephone 0800 555111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.