Muslim group calls off boycott of Rotherham police

British Muslim Youth founder Muhbeen Hussain said the disengagement — called at the Unity Centre on Sunday — had been successful in raising the issue of rising hate crime.

He added: “This was a desperate and drastic measure which was taken with full support from the local Muslim community.

“We believe that the boycott has been successful in facilitating the correct dialogue needed to hear the concerns of many ordinary law-abiding Muslims living and silently enduring hate crimes.

Mr Hussain said Rotherham Muslim Community Forum Alliance was looking forward to working with Rotherham Borough Council, MP Sarah Champion and police commissioner Dr Alan Billings.

Proposals include Rotherham Borough Council and the police making a commitment to focus on hate crime. 

Dr Billings has agreed to call an independent inquiry into the policing tactics used in the September 5 town centre demonstration.

And Ms Champion will write to the Home Secretary Theresa May requesting a meeting to discuss the impacts of hate crime and repeated marches in Rotherham.

Ms Champion said: “I am optimistic that there is now an opportunity to start a positive and productive working relationship between the Rotherham Muslim community, South Yorkshire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle this vile crime head on.”