Man Arrested for Racial Offence Releasing Rats Outside Sheffield Mosque

A 66-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence after releasing three rats from the boot of a vehicle near the Sheffield Grand Mosque on Grimesthorpe Road in Burngreave. The incident, which occurred on the evening of June 23, 2025, was captured on CCTV and caused local concern. South Yorkshire Police responded promptly, making the arrest and continuing their investigations while the man remains on police bail. Inspector Alec Gibbons of the North East Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasized the police's commitment to understanding the full circumstances and urged anyone with additional information to contact the authorities. The police have requested that witnesses refer to incident number 874 of June 23 when reporting. This case highlights ongoing efforts to address racially and religiously motivated public order offences in the region.