Inquiry into Quran damage at hospital faith centre

Police are investigating reports a Quran was "desecrated" in an alleged religiously-aggravated incident of criminal damage at St James's Hospital in Leeds.

In an email to staff seen by the BBC, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust CEO Brendan Brown said the Muslim holy book and a framed chapter of the text had been damaged at the Faith Centre in Bexley Wing.

Mr Brown said the suspected hate incident was "worrying and completely unacceptable".

West Yorkshire Police said the incident took place on Saturday, adding: "We are aware of the impact crimes of this nature can have within our communities and will be working with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to follow up all available lines of inquiry."

In his email, Mr Brown said: "Muslims across the globe place profound spiritual significance in the Holy Quran, and these acts here are Islamophobic and have no place at the trust.

"Religion or belief hate crime, against any religion or belief, is inexcusable and no colleague, patient or member of our communities should have to experience or hear about these kinds of actions.

"I want to take this opportunity to reiterate the board's commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued and supported, regardless of their background, faith or identity."

He said the trust was supporting the police investigation, and was taking steps to enhance security at the Faith Centre.

West Yorkshire Police has appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

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