Organisations that support the Muslim and refugee communities in Reading have cancelled services and brought in security amid growing concerns about violent unrest in the area.
Al-Majid Centre in Northumberland Avenue, in Whitley, has cancelled its children's activity sessions across this week - and brought in a five-person security team to provide around-the-clock protection for the centre.
Meanwhile Reading Refugee Support, which is based in the town centre, has sent home staff and closed its office early today as a precaution against possible unrest.
The measures follow wide-spread violent riots breaking out across the country last Tuesday after three children were stabbed in Southport.
On Sunday, rioters set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham.
More than 50 police officers have been injured over the last week, while more than 370 people have been arrested over the unrest.
Now posts on social media are claiming that mosques and migrant communities in Reading will be targeted this week. Thames Valley Police has confirmed that force is aware of the posts and is prepared to take action if required.
Barkat Ali, the chair of trustees at Al-Majid Centre, said it was upsetting and frustrating to cancel services - and bring in a security team for the first time.
He said: 'These messages have been coming since yesterday. People have been worrying a lot. I have cancelled the children's activities, because I don't want any children harmed. So we are cancelling the sessions for this week.'
The centre had expected around 100 children to attend their play activity sessions this week.
Mr Ali said he was regularly in touch with the five-person security team in place.
He added: 'There's a lot of frustrations within the community. People have reached out with messages of support. Some people have said they will help if we need them. But that's what (those creating unrest) want - for things to kick-off. We don't want people to get involved.
'I have had a meeting with our local MP and local councillor.
'We're doing our best to keep the peace in the town.'
Three prayer sessions at the centre on Friday are set to go ahead, according to Mr Ali.
READ MORE: Reading Muslim calls for calm and unity amid UK riots
In Reading town centre, the Reading Refugee Support Group has closed its office and sent staff home early as a precaution.
CEO Nick Harborne said a lot of the posts online 'seem like scare mongering' - but 'there are some signs' that some level of unrest may still happen.
He said: 'We are working with the police quiet closely.
'We're supporting people as best we can. We're aware that tensions are rising. People are scared by what they are seeing on social media.'
But the concerns have prompted a huge outpouring of support for the group's work, according to Mr Harborne.
He said: 'So many people are sending messages of support. Some people have made significant donations to us, saying they want to support our work at this moment.
'Today someone gave £1,000. That's a huge amount from an individual.'
He echoed calls for people to avoid any areas where violence or threatening behaviour is taking place.
He said: 'Stay safe - if there is any activity there's the temptation to counter it, Just let the police do their job. Don't make them dilute their resources to protect people (at counter protests).
The Reading Refugee Support Group helps around 80 people a month - and has seen 900 calls from individuals looking for support so far in July.
Mr Harborne said: 'Reading has always been a fantastic place - we have always been a diverse town for many religions and cultures.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel