Large scale disorder broke out across the country after three young children were killed in Southport

They were days that will live in infamy in Greater Manchester’s history. Division and chaos reigned.

The deaths of three young girls in Southport led to a wave of disorder throughout the UK, and Manchester did not avoid such trouble. Wholly inaccurate claims about the identity and ethnicity of the alleged attacker spread online.

Fuelled by anger and inspired by disinformation, thugs took to the streets intent on causing trouble. Disorder erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Newton Heath, on July 31, after a Facebook post swirled that afternoon.

“Let’s get them out,” it menacingly declared. Missiles were thrown towards the building, a bus was attacked and its driver injured, and asylum seekers, vulnerable individuals seeking help, were terrorised.

The far-right sought to capitalise on the division and called a demonstration for Manchester city centre on Saturday, August 3. The incident soon turned violent. Shocking video footage emerged of a lone black man being attacked by a baying mob.

Thugs then advanced down Mosley Street and stormed a Sainsbury’s store as innocent customers tried to shop. A vape store came under heavy attack, as yobs kicked its windows with a road sign being launched at it.

The following day, the trouble moved to Bolton. Another demonstration had been called by the far-right, with counter-protestors also present. Missiles were thrown as police dealt with mass disorder. Ever since, police have been tracking down and charging rioters.

Over the past three months, dozens of yobs have felt the full force of the law as their cases were speedily brought through the courts. The M.E.N. has extensively covered the ensuing court cases, and have now analysed the sentences handed down since August.

Of those in the dock, 39 were men, six were women and seven were children, the youngest being a 12-year-old boy. Jail sentences totalling more than 80 years have been handed down. The longest single jail sentence was imposed on a ‘violent racist’ for his part in a disgraceful attack in Piccadilly Gardens.

In chronological order from August until this month, here are the 52 rioters who faced justice.

1) James Nelson

Nelson, 18, of Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two months in prison on August 6 and ordered to pay £4,999 compensation at Manchester Magistrates Court.

2) Mathew Edge

Edge, 34, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 12 months in prison on August 13 at Bolton Crown Court.

3) Paul Smith

Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and 10 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.

4) Joseph Ley

Ley, 30, of Hardman Street, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years and two months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.

5) Oliver Chapman

Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.

6) Daniel Hanslip

Hanslip, 33, of Central Avenue, Shipley, West Yorkshire. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and two months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

7) Colin Demulder

Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and eight months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

8) Kane Kelly

Kelly, 24, of Woodford Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and five months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

9) Anthony Livesey

Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and breaching a suspended sentence. Sentenced to four years and two months, comprising of 32 months for the violent disorder, and a further 18 months for being in breach of a suspended sentence, on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

10) Lynden Parker

Parker, 26, of Douglas Street, Salford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 19 at Manchester Crown Court.

11) Thomas Ward

Ward, 35, of Colliery Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and exposure. Sentenced to 32 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.

12) Graham Brookes

Brookes, 42, of Frogmore Avenue, Hyde, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.

13) Dane Freeman

Freeman, 25, of Timson Street, Failsworth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court

14) Warren Gilchrest

Warren Gilchrest (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Gilchrest, 52, of North Road, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court.

15) Lee Upton

Upton, 54, of Bailey Lane, Wythenshawe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison on August 22 at Manchester Crown Court.

16) Carl Ryan

Ryan, 55, of Collin Avenue, Gorton, Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.

17) Mark Bridgeford

Bridgeford, 50, of Canon Street, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and eight months in prison on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.

18) Niall Charnock

Charnock, 31, of Edward Street, Farnworth, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 27 at Bolton Crown Court.

19) Lewis Whitworth

Whitworth, 30, of Costabeck Walk, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on August 28 at Manchester Crown Court.

20) Nigel Simpson

Simpson, 57, of Deerfold, Chorley, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on August 28 at Bolton Crown Court.

21) Charlie Mott

Mott, 28, of Barton Close, Eccles, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft from a shop and criminal damage. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on September 1 at Manchester Crown Court.

22) Dane Potter

Potter, 39, of Bolton Road, Aspull, Wigan. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on September 4 at Bolton Crown Court.

23) Scott Chadwick

Chadwick, 34, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft and violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and six months in prison on September 4 at Manchester Crown Court.

24) Kye McGlade

McGlade, 24, of Oldham Street, Manchester. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft and criminal damage. Sentenced to two years and eight months in prison on September 10 at Manchester Crown Court.

25) 14-year-old boy

Footage has emerged appearing to show a group of demonstrators smashing up a vape shop amid protests in Manchester city centre on Saturday (August 3). (Image: Submitted)

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and obstructing a police constable. Sentenced to a ten month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

26) 15-year-old boy

Police responding to a protest in Newton Heath (Image: Manchester Evening News)

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and assaulting an emergency worker. Sentenced to a 12 month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

27) 12-year-old boy

The boy pleaded guilty to two counts of violent disorder at Newton Heath on July 31 and Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

28) 16-year-old boy

Riot police in Bolton last Sunday (Image: Manchester Evening News)

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. Sentenced to an 18 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

29) Andrew Phillips

Phillips, 28, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.

30) David Green

Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.

31) Kemmy Grange

Grange, 20, of Elysian Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and possession of a class B drug. Sentenced to two and a half years in prison on September 14 at Manchester Crown Court.

32) Tracy Pearson

Pearson, 53, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

33) Michelle Jibson

Jibson, 45, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

34) 13-year-old boy

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

35) 14-year-old boy

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

36) Ryan Leckey

Ryan Leckey was jailed for 16 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Leckey, 24, of Lightbowne Road, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.

37) Darren Butler

Darren Butler was jailed for 17 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Butler, 42, of Cattlin Way, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.

38) 17-year-old boy

The boy pleaded guilty to criminal damage and violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to a 12 month intensive youth rehabilitation order on September 19 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

39) Liam Ryan

Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on September 20 at Manchester Crown Court.

40) Nevey Smith

Smith, 21, of West Street, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month community order on September 23 at Manchester Crown Court.

41) Zakaria Sadiq

Sadiq, 21, of Bentinck Street, Farnworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on September 25 at Bolton Crown Court.

42) Thomas Richard

Richard, 56, of Kingsland Close, Miles Platting. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on September 25 at Manchester Crown Court.

43) Vanessa Smith

Vanessa Smith (Image: Manchester Evening News)

Smith, 42, of Farnborough Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.

44) Lindsay Keenan

Lindsay Keenan (Image: Manchester Evening News)

Keenan, 50, of Glen Grove, Middleton. Pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.

45) Steven Miller

Miller, 38, Kennington Avenue, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 15 months in prison on September 27 at Manchester Crown Court.

46) Shaun Holt

Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on October 3 at Manchester Crown Court.

47) Anthony Whitelegg

Whitelegg, 40, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.

48) Aaron Davy

Davy, 18, of Liney Road, Cheadle. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.

49) Daylan Burgess

Burgess, 20, of Regent Square, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.

50) Laurence Dunkerley

Manchester Crown Court (Image: ABNM Photography)

Dunkerley, 37, of Marlborough Drive, Failsworth, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 7 at Manchester Crown Court.

51) Aaron Johnson

Johnson, 33, of Criterion Street, Stockport, pleaded guilty to distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred in Stockport on August 5. Sentenced to two years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court on October 10.

52) Destiny Waugh

A beauty therapy student turned up to a riot in a yellow dress and bought eggs that were handed out to teenagers and launched ‘as missiles’ towards police during violent disorder in Newton Heath. Destiny Waugh, 19, walked to a Shell garage near to where the scenes of disorder were unfolding, on Oldham Road on July 31 this year, and bought two cartons of six eggs, Manchester Crown Court heard. (Image: GMP)

Waugh, 19, of Risbury Walk, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months at Manchester Crown Court on October 15.

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She turned up to a riot wearing a yellow dress and holding a box of eggs – then ended up in court

Manchester Evening News

PICTURED: The rioters, thugs and criminals locked up in Greater Manchester this week

By virginiagolden

September 1, 2024

Uncategorized

Prison terms are continuing to be handed out to those involved in the civil unrest earlier this month

More rioters have faced justice for their part in the civil unrest across Greater Manchester earlier this month.

Prosecutors have charged over 520 people following disorder across the UK, with the CPS saying they are ‘working around the clock’ with police to ‘deliver swift justice.’ In Piccadilly Gardens, a thug involved in an attack on a lone black man was jailed for 28 months.

In Bolton, two men were jailed for hurling missiles at the police as they tried to separate two rival factions during the disorder. And in Newton Heath, one man was handed 18 months in jail after he joined in with disorder outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers whilst on his way home from the pub.

Niall Charnock

A rioter barged through a police barrier into a ‘neutral zone’ before launching a ‘plastic bottle’ at police officers during large-scale violent disorder in Bolton.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Niall Charnock, 31, was captured on video footage shared online ‘throwing a missile’ at officers and breaking down the barrier during protests in the Greater Manchester town on August 4.

Demonstrators and counter-protesters clashed outside Bolton town hall earlier this month as missiles were thrown at police. Chief Constable Stephen Watson previously said the ‘orchestrated criminality’ had nothing to do with lawful protest. Charnock was jailed for 26 months.

**Mark Bridgeford**

A grandfather has been jailed for joining a mob attack on a lone black male – the latest rioter to face justice for the sickening violence that erupted in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3.

Footage played in a court showed ‘cowardly’ Mark Bridgeford, 50, from Salford, was part of a mob of white men who attacked a lone black male in the square as a protest and counter protest erupted in violence.

The grandfather-of-five admitted he shouted at riot cops who moved in to protect the man ‘sort your own f***ing country out’ after he had punched and kicked his victim.
Bridgeford, of Canon Street in Salford, nodded to the judge as he was jailed for one year and eight months after pleading guilty to one offence of violent disorder.

A thug who launched a ‘hammer fist’ at a lone black man during unrest in Greater Manchester has pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Mark Bridgeford, 50, of Delaney Heights, Salford, has been warned he faces a lenghty sentence — A rioter barged through a police barrier into a ‘neutral zone’ before launching a ‘plastic bottle’ at police officers during large-scale violent disorder in Bolton.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Niall Charnock, 31, was captured on video footage shared online ‘throwing a missile’ at officers and breaking down the barrier during protests in the Greater Manchester town on August 4.

Demonstrators and counter-protesters clashed outside Bolton town hall earlier this month as missiles were thrown at police. Chief Constable Stephen Watson previously said the ‘orchestrated criminality’ had nothing to do with lawful protest. Charnock was jailed for 26 months.

**Mark Bridgeford**

A grandfather has been jailed for joining a mob attack on a lone black male – the latest rioter to face justice for the sickening violence that erupted in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3.

Footage played in a court showed ‘cowardly’ Mark Bridgeford, 50, from Salford, was part of a mob of white men who attacked a lone black male in the square as a protest and counter protest erupted in violence.

The grandfather-of-five admitted he shouted at riot cops who moved in to protect the man ‘sort your own f***ing country out’ after he had punched and kicked his victim.
Bridgeford, of Canon Street in Salford, nodded to the judge as he was jailed for one year and eight months after pleading guilty to one offence of violent disorder.

Nigel Simpson

A rioter who was captured on CCTV launching an ‘item’ at the police told a court: “I was picking things up, officer.” Appearing on videolink from HMP Hewell, Nigel Simpson, 57, was jailed for over two years after footage captured him during the protests in Bolton on August 4.

At one stage he charged at counter protesters before running away whilst holding an England flag. He was then seen with a group who were hurling various items in the direction of the police, before he bent down and ‘collected’ items from the floor. He then launched a ‘missile’ at the cops, hitting one who turned round to see where it came from. Judge Walsh jailed Simpson, of Deerfold, Chorley, for 28 months.

**Lewis Whitworth**

A convicted drug dealer who took part in a ‘frightening’ attack outside a hotel which housed asylum seekers has been jailed.

On his way home from the pub, Lewis Whitworth, 30, a trainee mechanic, kicked a bus and joined a baying mob which hurled missiles and abuse at asylum seekers outside the premises close to his home in Newton Heath.

**Charlie Mott**

A lawless looter encouraged others to ransack a Sainsburys during widespread disorder in Manchester city centre.

Charlie Mott, 28, was captured on CCTV footage wearing a face covering as he gestured to a large group of rioters to go into the store on Mosley Street. He then followed them in, and stole numerous items.
As others stole large amounts of alcohol, one man was seen to run out of the store carrying bunches of bananas. A judge described it as ‘delinquent behaviour’ which ‘took advantage’ of the unrest.

Mott, of Eccles, was jailed for 18 months.

Manchester Evening News

Men threw missiles at police during disorder in town centre

By virginiagolden

August 28, 2024

Uncategorized

A pair who threw missiles at police are to spend a significant stint in prison for their involvement in disorder in Bolton Town Centre.

Niall Charnock and Nigel Simpson were sentenced to 26 months and to 28 months respectively this week at Bolton Crown Court.

Charnock, from Bolton, and Simpson, from Chorley, were in attendance in the town centre on August 4 when there were clashes between protesters and counter-protesters after the killing of three children in Southport.

There were clashes between protesters and counter-protesters in towns across the country at around the same time.

The two men threw missiles at police in two individual incidents.

Charnock, of Fairclough Street, admitted violent disorder at the magistrates court on August 12. Judge Nicholas Clarke sentenced him to 26 months.

The prosecution asked for a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from the town centre but the order was not agreed to by the judge.

Judge Clarke said: “Your attendance was not accidental and by your actions it is clear you attended to engage in violence. Bolton Town Centre was not as battle-scarred as other areas but it is because of the police no member of the public or member of the police was injured.”

Simpson, of Deerfold, admitted violent disorder at the magistrates court on August 20. Judge Martin Walsh sentenced him to 28 months.

The prosecution asked for a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from the town centre but the order is to be addressed at a later date.

Judge Walsh said: “Greater Manchester Police had a challenge to protect the public and a dispersal order was put in place after 2pm. Subsequently there were a number of protesters and counter-protesters in the town centre. Many attended to engage in peaceful protest but others attended to engage in violence. At some stage you attended for this purpose.”

As of August 22, according to the Ministry of Justice, 576 people have been brought before the courts in relation to the disorder in the UK.

Almost all those to be sentenced have been sentenced to time in prison with a range of two months to six years and an average of two years.

Bolton News

Liam Powell pleads guilty to possession of cocaine at riots in Bolton

By virginiagolden

August 6, 2024

Uncategorized

Liam Powell, 28, of Hendon Court, Chorley, pleaded guilty to the possession of drugs, namely cocaine, at the riots in Bolton town centre on Sunday, August 4.

The court heard this morning that there was ‘large scale disorder’ outside a pub in Bolton, in which police attended.

Prosecutor John Potter said:

“The group appeared calm before encountering three males and one female. A search was conducted of one male, this defendant.

“The defendant was found in possession of a small snapbag containing white powder. The defendant was arrested and tested positive for cocaine.”

The court heard Powell, who has just started work as a fabricator, has 11 previous convictions for 17 offences including three drug related offences, an offence of robbery and criminal damage.

The prosecutor added:

“This offence is aggravated by the events over the weekend.”

Mitigating, Miss Black said:

“My client said he was using this in relation to an abscess in his gums, for pain relief. He did not realise it was cocaine on purchase.”

Sentencing him to a 12 month community order, District Judge Hirst said:

“This was aggravated by the high risk environment. The drug is associated with a lack of self control and violence.

“The community is always harmed by this type of possession – there was a serious risk of harm.”

Powell was also handed 80 hours unpaid work and must pay £199 court costs.

Manchester Evening News

Gang jailed over armed £10k Co-op and Spar robberies

By virginiagolden

December 12, 2022

Uncategorized

Daniel Lewis (L) received the heaviest sentence of 19 years after admitting seven robberies while Daniel Holding (R) received 15 years

A gang has been jailed for more than 50 years over a string of armed shop robberies across Lancashire.

The balaclava-wearing men threatened staff with weapons at Co-op and Spar shops in Leyland, Preston and Chorley as well as Warrington, Cheshire.

Staff were left “shaken” and “distressed” after the eight raids between November 2021 and April.

Lancashire Police said the gang netted more than £10,000 each time they hit the convenience stores.

Daniel Lewis, 35, of Battersby Street, Wigan, was jailed for 19 years after he admitted seven robberies.

His co-defendant Daniel Holding, 33, of Arley Close, Wigan, pleaded guilty to six robberies and was jailed for 15 years.

He was jailed at Preston Crown Court alongside Anthony Heaton, also 33, who admitted his part in five robberies.

Heaton, of Marshall Avenue, Warrington, was jailed for 14 years while Matthew Lowe, 34, of Petticoat Lane, Wigan, was jailed for seven years after he pleaded guilty to two robberies.
Anthony Heaton and Matthew Lowe

(L-R) Anthony Heaton and Matthew Lowe were jailed for their parts in the robberies

Det Insp Denise Fardella said: “The men entered the store wearing balaclavas or masks, while brandishing weapons and threatening people who were simply trying to do an honest day’s work.”

She added: “In each case there were two or three members of staff working when the offences were committed and many say they were left distressed and extremely shaken and are still feeling the effects of that today.”

BBC News

Quran ‘desecrated’ in Chorley mosque attack

By virginiagolden

July 18, 2013

Racial Conviction, racially-aggravated criminal damage, Racist Abuse, racist graffiti

A Quran was ’desecrated’ and racist graffiti daubed at a mosque, it has emerged.

Two teenagers have been charged with racially aggravated criminal damage connected with the incident in Chorley.

Police said intruders entered the Dawat Ul Islam Masjid, also known as Chorley Mosque, in Brooke Street, before causing interior damage and damaging various items, including a Quran.

Officers added that racially-abusive graffiti was found on walls at the building during the incident.

Police said that their investigations had not linked the attack to any organised anti-Islamic group.

Coun Hasina Khan, who lives nearby and represents Chorley east on the borough council, said many Muslims in the town were shocked by the incident.

She said: “Every religion and all places of worship should be given the greatest of respect by all members of the community.”

She added: “Chorley is a place of cohesion between the communities and incidents like this are very rare.”

Sergeant Kevin Mountain, from the Chorley neighbourhood police team, said: “We treat incidents of this nature with the utmost gravity.

“I would urge anyone who feels they have been subjected to a crime because of their race or religious beliefs to contact us immediately and we will investigate fully.”

The £500,000 mosque, which opened five years ago, has a capacity for more than 500 worshippers and was the first purpose-built mosque in Chorley.

Its facilities include a wash room and two large prayer rooms on each floor.

The incident happened on April 16 but police have only just released details after charging two people.

Daniel Barrow, 18, of Berkeley Close, Chorley, has been bailed to appear before Blackburn magistrates on July 15 charged with racially-aggravated criminal damage.

A 17-year-old youth has been bailed to appear before a juvenile court in Chorley on July 5 charged with two counts of racially aggravated criminal damage.

The Citizen