Police investigate '˜hate crime' after pig's head tied to Muslim school gates

It comes as Hampshire police said the severed pig’s head was attached with cable ties to the Madani Academy gate.

The incident is being treated as a hate crime.

Superintendent Will Schofield, Portsmouth’s district commander, said: ‘We are taking this incident very seriously and will do all we can to catch those responsible.

‘I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to come forward as soon as possible.

‘While our investigation is in its early stages, at this moment we believe it is an isolated incident.

‘We will not tolerate such incidents in Portsmouth that seek to damage the good relations we have with all sections of our diverse community.’

The animal’s head had been daubed with a swastika and an abusive term about Allah.

Police said they are investigating a suspicious incident between 5.40pm and 6pm on Wednesday at Madani Academy in Nutfield Place, Landport, Portsmouth.

Officers were called at 8.30am this morning after parents and pupils started to arrive at the school.

Luthufur Rahman, director and headteacher at the school, said: ‘We are very upset by what has happened.

‘We’ve always found Portsmouth to be a very welcoming city and we hope this does not damage the good relationship that we have with the local community.’

Call police on 101, quoting 44160030331.