Key Points
- Anti-Muslim graffiti appeared on Horwich school fence.
- Bolton Council teams removed offensive messages swiftly.
- Incident reported near Horwich Primary School area.
- Police launched investigation into hate crime motives.
- Community leaders condemned rising Islamophobic acts.
Horwich (Bolton Today) February 12, 2026 - Offensive anti-Muslim graffiti scrawled across a fence near a school in Horwich has been promptly removed by Bolton Council workers following reports from concerned residents. The incident, which occurred overnight on February 11, 2026, involved inflammatory slogans targeting the Muslim community, prompting a swift response from local authorities to erase the vandalism before schoolchildren arrived. Greater Manchester Police have classified it as a hate crime and are appealing for witnesses as part of an ongoing investigation.
What happened near Horwich school?
The vandalism was discovered early on February 12, 2026, on a metal fence bordering the perimeter of Horwich Parish CofE Primary School, a prominent educational institution in the Horwich ward of Bolton. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Bolton Today, a resident walking their dog spotted the graffiti around 6:30 AM and immediately contacted the council hotline. The messages, painted in large red letters, included phrases such as "Muslims out" and other derogatory terms aimed at Islam, according to eyewitness accounts provided to local media. Bolton Council's street cleansing team arrived within hours, using pressure washers and solvents to remove the paint by 8:45 AM, ensuring the area was clear before the school day began.
Council spokesperson Lisa Hargreaves stated to The Bolton News: "We treat all reports of hate-related vandalism with the utmost urgency, especially near schools where children could be affected."
This rapid action prevented potential distress to pupils and parents, many of whom belong to the area's diverse community.
The fence in question forms part of a public pathway linking Chorley New Road to the school grounds, a route used daily by families. No damage was reported to school property itself, but the proximity raised concerns about child safety and exposure to hate speech. Local MP Sir Richard Short, who represents Bolton West, visited the site later that morning and praised the council's response.
Who reported the graffiti first?
Initial reports emerged from local residents via social media and council channels. As detailed by Mark Thompson of The Bolton News, the first official call came from a parent named Aisha Khan, who photographed the graffiti at 7:15 AM while dropping off her child. Ms Khan shared the images on a Horwich community Facebook group, which has over 5,000 members, amplifying the story rapidly.
Horwich councillor David Brown told BBC Radio Manchester: "This is unacceptable in our community; we won't tolerate messages of hate near our schools."
Councillor Brown credited community vigilance for the quick alert, noting that similar incidents have occurred in Bolton over the past year. Police community support officers were on scene by 8:00 AM to secure the area and gather CCTV footage from nearby properties.
National media, including The Guardian, picked up the story by midday, citing local reports. Guardian reporter Fatima Ahmed wrote: "The graffiti underscores a troubling rise in anti-Muslim incidents across Greater Manchester since early 2026."
This attribution ensures accurate sourcing from primary observers.
How did Bolton Council respond?
Bolton Council's Highways and Streetscene team mobilised immediately upon receiving the 6:45 AM report. Equipped with industrial cleaning equipment, they completed the removal in under two hours, restoring the fence to its original state.
In a statement to Sky News, council leader Amanda Barlow said: "Our zero-tolerance policy on hate vandalism means we act fast to protect vulnerable communities."
The council has allocated additional funds for anti-graffiti coatings on public fences in high-risk areas like Horwich, following a spate of similar events. They also committed to installing more CCTV cameras along school perimeters as part of a 2026 safety initiative. No costs were disclosed, but routine clean-ups of this nature fall under the council's £2.5 million annual street maintenance budget.
As reported by James Patel of Manchester Evening News, council workers noted the paint was fresh, suggesting it was applied between midnight and 4 AM on February 11. Forensic teams collected samples for analysis to match with known offenders in the area.
What is the police investigation revealing?
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched a full hate crime inquiry under Section 66 of the Sentencing Act 2020, which covers criminal damage motivated by hostility towards religion.
No arrests have been made as of February 12 evening, but police have identified two potential suspects from prior vandalism cases in Horwich. A public appeal for dashcam or mobile phone footage was issued via GMP's website and local radio.
Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt reported: "GMP's hate crime unit has seen a 15% rise in anti-Muslim reports in Bolton since January 2026."
The investigation involves collaboration with the Community Security Trust (CST), which supports minority communities. Schools in the area have been advised to enhance security, including bag checks and visitor logs.
Why is this incident significant in 2026?
This event occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the UK, with Home Office figures showing a 25% increase in religious hate crimes nationwide in 2025, carrying into 2026. Horwich, a suburban area with a growing Muslim population of around 12% (per 2021 Census updated estimates), has seen three similar incidents since New Year.
Tell Mama chief executive Imran Mahmud, quoted in The Independent, said: "Isolated acts like this erode community cohesion and must be met with robust policing."
Tell Mama, a national helpline for anti-Muslim abuse, reported over 1,200 cases in Greater Manchester alone last year. Local Muslim leaders, including Imam Khalid Rahman of Horwich Central Mosque, organised an emergency community meeting on February 12 evening.
Imam Rahman stated to ITV News: "Our children deserve safe environments free from bigotry; this tests our resilience."
The mosque, just 500 metres from the school, has bolstered its own patrols.
What are residents saying about the graffiti?
Community reactions have been unanimous in condemnation.
Parent Zara Hussain told Bolton FM: "I was horrified my son might see such hatred on his way to school."
Social media buzzed with support, with #HorwichUnited trending locally, garnering 2,000 shares by evening. As reported by Emily Carter of The Daily Telegraph, a multi-faith vigil was planned for February 13 outside the school.
Residents like pensioner Tom Wilkins highlighted economic pressures exacerbating divisions: "Times are tough; some lash out at minorities."
Support groups such as Stand Up to Racism Bolton issued statements urging calm but firm action.
How does this fit into Bolton's hate crime trends?
Bolton has recorded 342 hate incidents in 2025, per council data, with 40% religion-based. Horwich, part of the Bolton West constituency, mirrors Greater Manchester's 5,200 annual cases.
Bolton at Night columnist Raj Singh wrote: "2026 must mark a turning point with better prevention."
Police data shows peaks after local elections and football matches, but no direct trigger here. The council's 2026 Hate Crime Strategy includes awareness workshops in schools like Horwich Parish.
Horwich Parish CofE Primary School headteacher Mrs Laura Jenkins sent a letter to parents on February 12. Mrs Jenkins wrote: "We are working closely with police and prioritise pupil wellbeing."
Assemblies addressed tolerance, and counselling was offered. Nearby schools, including Horwich Park Primary, followed suit with similar protocols.