DERBY, UK—Police in Derby have told Sikh24 they will look into possible terrorism links as part of their wider investigation into the attack on Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara Derby, UK.
Following the Sikh community dissatisfaction at the seemingly limited response to the attack on Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara Derby by Derbyshire Constabulary, the police has responded to a number of concerns put forward by Sikh24 as to the nature of the investigation.
Derbyshire Constabulary have insisted that the investigation “was always being treated as a hate crime.” When questioned as to why no hate crime charges had been put against the alleged offender, Derbyshire Constabulary said they “will stay in regular contact with the CPS and the charges can be reviewed at anytime as the investigation progresses, as with any case.”
One of the concerns put forward by the Sikh community has been that had this taken place in a Church, the police would have declared this a terror incident. Sikh24 put these concerns to Derbyshire Constabulary who said they “are limited as to how much detail we are able to give as court proceedings are active” however went on to say that the looking into possible terror offences “forms part of our wider investigation.”
They added that “As is reflected in Mr Cox’s quotes, we are taking this extremely seriously – as we would any incident at any place of worship. Local officers are in regular contact with members of the Sikh community and community leaders. We are also increasing patrols to reassure the community and give them the opportunity to speak to officers if they wish to raise concerns.”
