Pig head crime at Muslim school in Portsmouth prompts messages of support

The Madani Academy’s pupils and staff were horrified when a severed pig’s head was cable-tied to its gates in Lake Road, Portsmouth, last month.

One message, with a pink rose attached, said: ‘Dear Madani school, we love you!’

A second message added: ‘This is in response to the ugly incident of a severed pig’s head left outside this school, an attempt to intimidate staff and frighten children.

‘It was carried out last week - under cover of darkness by racist cowards who represent a tiny minority of the overwhelming majority of minded, decent, law abiding citizens of Portsmouth.

‘Where cowards leave messages of hate and fear - we will fight it with flowers, symbols of peace and boxes of chocolates.’

‘And we will win because there are many, may more of us ordinary fair-minded people in every town and city than there are bigots’

‘To staff and children of this school: we are with you in solidarity and we hope you will never forget the above message that there are many, many, more of us than racists.

‘Signed: ordinary citizens of Portsmouth.’

The messages were spotted by police who posted photos on Twitter.

It comes after young pupils, family and staff made the discovery of the animal’s head on January 21 at around 8.30am.

A swastika and an offensive word and Allah had been written on it in black marker.

Supt Will Schofield, Portsmouth district commander, has vowed to find who is responsible.

The News understands CCTV footage captures the head being tied to the gates on the evening of January 20.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44160030331.