In a horrifying incident, gangs of youths — described by locals as Pakistani-origin Muslims — were seen vandalising and terrorising Hindus in the UK's Leicester City to take revenge for a few Indian fans allegedly chanting anti-Pakistan slogans following India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup cricket match on August 28, 2022.
A police investigation is underway into hate crimes after violence and racist chanting in a predominantly Indian area of Leicester.
In a tweet, the East Leicester Police team earlier said: "An investigation is underway to identify those responsible.
"We are treating this chanting as a hate crime and anyone found to have been taking part will be dealt with accordingly."
However, various videos and reports have been circulating on social media about further attacks following last weekend's incident.
On Monday and Tuesday, large gangs of youths wandered around predominantly Hindu neighbourhoods.
"Gangs running riot and escalating attacks on Hindus. Innocent Hindus have been terrorized in their own properties, there have been attempts to stab and there has been rampant vandalism of Hindu properties," Rashami Samant, a human rights activist tweeted.
Faith leaders and police have called for an end to days of violence and disorder as a "small minority" of people try to fan the flames of community tension in Leicester.
Inspector Yakub Ismail, commander for the East Leicester police, said the police were working to ensure such things did not happen again. He said, "Our officers are there to protect our communities and we take a zero-tolerance approach to them being assaulted in their line of duty. In the days following the match, the police organised special patrols in the area.
Leicester Police said on Wednesday that officers would continue to carry out “proactive patrols” and investigators would speak with witnesses and make CCTV enquiries.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)