Racism offence arrest after rat release at mosque

A man has been arrested for racism offences after rats were released near a mosque in Sheffield, according to police.

South Yorkshire Police said officers were called to Grimesthorpe Road in Burngreave just after 20:15 BST on Monday to reports a man had stopped at the side of the road and released three rats from the boot of a vehicle.

A 66-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence had since been released on police bail, a force spokesperson said.

Inquiries into the incident would continue over the coming days, they added.

Insp Alec Gibbons, of the North East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We understand this reported incident has caused concern locally and I'd like to reassure you that we are working hard to understand the full circumstances of what took place.

"I'd urge anyone who has information which has not yet been reported to police to contact us online or by calling 101."

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