The police were called in after parents became worried at Muslims praying in a car park near a primary school in Stanley, the Northern Echo reports.
“Staff at East Stanley School called Durham Police after concerned parents told teachers of a group of Muslim men on their knees praying in a car park near the school, on Chester Road, Stanley, County Durham at the end of the school day on Monday.”
The police attended the school, but the men had already moved on.
“Some have criticised the response of the school, the police and the parents, although others have leapt to their defence.
The school said it had followed standard practice, while the police said they attended because of a potential obstruction in a public car park.
In a heated Facebook debate, one man called the parents small minded and a disgrace and accused them of creating panic.
A second said: “I was totally disgusted that someone would call the police because some Muslims were praying.”
However, another defended the parents, saying they were only concerned for their children and it was better to be safe than sorry.”
“Warning to Muslims who thought sticking to prayers alone & being apolitical would keep them safe.” - Moazzam Begg
