Surrey police seek tips for Islamic centre incident

Police in Surrey are investigating a suspicious incident at the Fleetwood Islamic Center.

On Aug. 29, RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit members responded to a report of an incident at the Fleetwood Islamic Center in Surrey. 

Police observed threatening and offensive language written on the exterior of the building as well as what is believed to be animal meat placed near doors and windows of the Center.

The incident is believed to have taken place in the overnight hours between Friday, Aug. 28 at 11 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. 

Investigators are looking to identify an individual who was observed on video surveillance at the Fleetwood Islamic Center before the alleged incident took place.

The suspect is described as a male, wearing a dark green hoodie with red lettering on the front, dark cargo pants, and red shoes with white soles, and carrying a blue bag. He is believed to be driving a small, white four-door sedan (see attached photo).

Police continue to gather information to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. As a part of the investigation, police are also working to determine whether hate was a motivating factor in this incident. 

“The RCMP takes all reports of hate-motivated incidents and hate crimes seriously. Investigators are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to establish all the facts,” reads a police statement.

Anyone with information about the identity of the individual or who may have dashcam or video footage of the incident is asked to contact Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502 and speak with investigators regarding file # 26-27049 (SU).