'They let dogs defecate on our graves' - Kirklees residents share fears over rise in Islamophobia

The Huddersfield Council of Mosques have shared their “deep concern” in the rise of “anti-Muslim hatred” in the area.

The concerns were raised following the graffitiing on a religious prayer sign at a burial ground in Almondbury, which was branded a “vile” act of Islamophobia by residents.

Imam Mohammed Abubakar, 34, Secretary for the Huddersfield Council of Mosques (HCoM), explained that the sign was “a message of peace, remembrance and compassion”, which made the act “particularly upsetting”.

Imam Abubakar warned that this was one of many incidents that had occurred in the last few months, with fears that the “increasingly hostile public rhetoric” towards Muslim people is only getting worse.

Speaking alongside Imam Abubakar, resident Abdul Ahmed, 46, said the burial site itself was used less by his community, due to claims that visitors to the cemetery were “taking their dogs to defecate” next to specifically Muslim headstones.

Mr Ahmed cited further incidents of racial “hatred”, explaining that racism in Kirklees appeared to have been “energised”.

Mr Ahmed said: “It’s very sad. Racism is manifesting in vandalism and threats of violence towards people and places of worship. It means that everywhere – for example, at mosques – we have had to increase security.”

Imam Abubakar explained that, traditionally, a mosque is always open, but during peak hours, they have been forced to install one-way locks. Imam Abubaker said: “At times, there can be up to 200 children inside… Our greatest concern is safety.”

Imam Abubakar and the HCoM have called for a “united response” from all political groups represented on Kirklees, together with local MPs to ensure that “tackling Islamophobia is given the prominence it deserves”.

A formal statement was issued by the HCoM on July 20, before Councillor Eric Butterworth, for Dewsbury East, apologised for “any offence caused” by alleged historic posts on an X account in the name of Cllr Butterworth.

The posts were all shared or written under the handle @ginandtonicnow/Cllr Eric Butterworth – which was understood to be Butterworth’s official account – and were made between early 2025 and 2026. Among the share posts was an image with text reading “From the English Channel to the North Sea, Make England ISLAM-FREE.”

The response from the HCoM read: “Statements (such as these) from local politicians are deeply concerning and contribute to an environment in which many Muslims feel increasingly anxious, unwelcome and vulnerable.

“Political debate must never undermine the dignity, safety or sense of belonging of any community….Muslims have been part of Kirklees’s fabric for generations…They should be able to practise their faith, attend their places of worship and visit the graves of loved ones without fear of hatred or intimidation.

“Islamophobia, like all forms of hatred, has no place in our society.”

After the posts were revealed, Coun Butterworth issued a formal apology that the posts had been “cherry-picked, taken out of context and were intended as satire”. The apology read: “I want to be clear, I do not hold these views. However, I understand how these posts may have caused offence.

“This was never my intention, and anyone who knows me personally can attest to that…I would like to apologise for any offence that they have caused.”

Imam Abubakar said he “remains hopeful” that there will be “meaningful action” to ensure Kirklees remains a borough where “everyone feels safe, respected and valued.”

In response, the Leader of Kirklees Council, Reform UK’s Sarah Wood, assured that as leader, her “commitment is to the safety of all citizens of Kirklees”.

Regarding the vandalism in Almondbury, a spokesperson from West Yorkshire Police confirmed that “the Neighbourhood Policing Team had increased patrols in the area” and “had been actively engaging with the community” to try and identify those involved.

Following the damage at the burial ground, David Shepherd, Executive Director for Place at Kirklees Council said:“We have huge pride in our parks in Kirklees and it is disappointing to see such reckless behaviour. This bench was a place for reflection and for families to remember their loved ones. Our thoughts go out to those who this bench was special to.

“We will be visiting the park to remove the debris and tidy up the area as soon as possible. A team will then be out to repair the bench to its former glory. If anyone believes they could provide any information in relation to the crime, please contact the police on 101.”