Volunteers in Burnley have turned up to help clean up Muslim graves that were covered with paint in a cemetery. 

The discovery was made on Monday morning with images and footage from the scene showing a row of headstones vandalised in the Muslim section of Burnley cemetery. 

Police and Burnley Council are investigating the incident, which comes after a week of disturbances and violent racist protests across the country. 

It is unclear if the vandalism is related to the ongoing riots and violent outbursts nationwide. 

Police have launched an investigation, and Burnley Council condemned the actions of “evil individuals”. 

On Monday evening, people from the community gathered to clean the headstones. The council stated that individuals from all faiths had come out to help clean the headstones. A further deep clean will also take place. 

Father Alex Frost and Kat Gregory-Witham said: “We are appalled with what we’ve witnessed, and we’re heartbroken that families from our Muslim communities have had to face some terrible scenes in the cemetery. 

“Imagine that if this was a grave for one of your loved ones? Nothing will divide us, and your evil actions are not welcome here. I encourage the people of Burnley to seek the common good and to act with love and peace.” 

Councillor Afrasiab Anwar MBE, leader of Burnley Council, said: “We are working with the police to identify the perpetrators and ensure they are reprimanded as soon as possible. 

“There is CCTV footage at the cemetery which the police are working through, and we are working with the police to ensure a heightened police presence in the area. 

“The council have made arrangements for the graves to be cleaned by a specialist memorial mason as a matter of urgency, and the affected families are being contacted. 

“There are heinous individuals who are looking to provoke a reaction in our communities. With actions like this, it is extremely difficult to remain calm, but I would urge you not to react to the provocation.” 

A police spokesperson said, “We have launched an investigation after a report of criminal damage in Burnley today (Monday, August 5th). 

“We were called around 4.15 pm to Burnley Cemetery in Rossendale Road after a report paint had been poured across headstones in a Muslim burial area.

“The investigation into this matter is very much ongoing. 

“We are taking this incredibly seriously, and this is being treated as a hate crime.” 

They continued: “We do not tolerate hate of any form, and we will do everything in our power to identify the offenders and take the appropriate action.

“Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting log 0982 of August 5.”