Following a riot that broke out in Hull in August, members of Muslim communities are still fearful and feel like they are constantly looking over their shoulders. However, they are slowly working to build understanding with others to promote open dialogue. The Jame Masjid mosque in Hull has held a community open day for many years, but it has never felt more important than it does now in the aftermath of the riot.
The people of Hull are still reeling from the events of 3 August, which saw an anti-immigration protest in the city centre followed by 12 hours of mass disorder. A large crowd threw missiles at a hotel housing asylum seekers, and at police officers outside. Shops were broken into and looted, while a garage owner hid in his shop with his family as cars outside were set alight. A group of Romanian men were terrified as a mob attacked them and their BMW. A mosque on Spring Bank, near the city centre, was also targeted.
The riot has prompted fear among members of Muslim communities, and there have been concerns about a possible “Stop the Boats” protest following social media posts. Mosque secretary Bulbul Miah says people are “slowly starting to try and normalise their [lives]” and that it is important to continue to reach out and support one another. The police have made arrests, and those already dealt with are serving prison sentences totalling more than 72 years.
The people of Hull are working to promote understanding and establish open dialogue with others. The community group from nearby Ella Street organised a tea party on the August bank holiday and invited the congregation. Shaun Blagdon, from the group, says the riots went against everything he believed in and that it is a combination of the cost of living crisis and people looking to blame someone else. By coming together and supporting each other, the people of Hull hope to foster a sense of community and promote peace and understanding
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