A Muslim father has described his family's shock after a pig's head was mounted on the gates of their home in Cheadle, Stockport, in what police are treating as a suspected hate crime. Camran Butt, 41, discovered the head on the morning of Friday, 9 January, while taking his nine-year-old son and five-year-old daughter to school.
Mr Butt told the Manchester Evening News that his children initially thought the object was a fox, but he quickly realised it was a pig's head. He told them it was a dead pigeon to avoid alarming them. CCTV footage shows two people approaching the property, with one unwrapping the head and placing it on a spike on the gate. It is believed to have fallen off when the family opened the gates that morning.
Mr Butt said the incident came 'out of the blue' and that his family is not outwardly religious. He described the act as 'very hateful' given that Islam strictly forbids the consumption or handling of pork. His wife has been deeply affected, feeling 'vulnerable and exposed,' and the family hired a security guard for a week following the incident.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed they are investigating the incident, which occurred in the early hours of 9 January. Chief Inspector Lisa Devitt called it an 'appalling and deliberate act' and urged anyone with information to come forward. No arrests have been made, and additional patrols have been deployed in the area.
Mr Butt expressed disappointment, saying he was born and raised in Cheadle and feels 'very unwelcome.' However, he noted that neighbours have been supportive, reaching out to offer help and keep an eye on the property.
