Image: BBC

'We're not safe at our mosque after another attack'

23 March, 2026.Crime.1 sources

Key Takeaways

The Elaf Mosque in Cheadle Heath, Stockport, was vandalised and ransacked.
Religious texts were thrown on the floor and about £5,000 stolen.
Worshippers say they are frightened to return.

Opening context

Worshippers at a Greater Manchester mosque have said they are frightened to return to the building after it was vandalised and items were stolen.

“- Published Worshippers at a Greater Manchester mosque have said they are frightened to return to the building after it was vandalised and items were stolen”

BBC

Vandalism details

Ben Pickering said he arrived at the Elaf Mosque in Cheadle Heath, Stockport, at 05:34 GMT on Saturday to find it had been "ransacked", with religious texts "thrown on to the floor", equipment vandalised and items including £5,000 in cash stolen.

Impact on Eid

Mosque administrator Ahmed Helal, 38, said the incident was especially sad since it had happened the day after a large Eid celebration at the mosque.

“- Published Worshippers at a Greater Manchester mosque have said they are frightened to return to the building after it was vandalised and items were stolen”