Muslims targeted with eggs during celebration march

An Accrington man has spoken out over the abuse he and other Muslims have had after eggs were thrown at them during a march.

Kamran Ali Mahmood was one of many at an annual Islamic prophet march celebration through the town on September 29 aimed at “spreading love”.

Worshippers were left “disheartened” however as one man reportedly threw eggs at them and multiple people took to Facebook to mock the faith demonstration.

Mr Mahmood said: “It was very disheartening to see someone throw eggs at us from a nearby flat.

It’s a peaceful demonstration, it’s not a protest march or anything, it was to spread love. We were giving out chocolates to people and handing out leaflets to explain to people what we were doing.”

Despite the eggs, Mr Mahmood believes the event was peaceful overall with bids for future events already being submitted.

After the nationwide riots over the summer, this year’s march required some police community support officers to be in attendance.

Mr Mahmood added: “Since the summer we have been getting a lot of abuse on social media, I did see a bit regarding the recent march and thought I’d just ignore it.

But there was a lot of people posting on Facebook who didn’t know about what they were saying, so I posted on the Hyndburn Chat and thankfully got a good response on there from people, just clarifying what the march was about.”

The Accrington resident went on to explain how organisers have taken measures to make the reason for the marches clearer.

Banners and quotes about the prophet Muhammad were added to the procession along with someone explaining the march in English over a megaphone.

Mr Mahmood added: “We have started to change the marches up a bit so that people understand it a bit better.

In his Facebook post, he said: “I’ve seen quite a few posts on here about the march today!

“Firstly there was no ‘angry Muslim mob’. We were out celebrating the birth of our prophet a procession that happens annually and happens with the prior permission of the council and the police.

The March is about celebrating the birth of the prophet Muhammed Peace be upon him.”

He added: “We have had banners and posters made in English explaining what we are doing and we have talks in English along the way. We also have had people giving leaflets out explaining what we’re doing.

We’re not here to take over or to convert you, we are here to live in peace and spread love.”