Pig’s head left by Barton Hill housing block targeted in arson attack

Police have launched a hate crime investigation after a severed pig’s head was discovered in an alleyway. Officers attended Barton Hill following a report about the disturbing find shortly after 11am on Sunday morning (November 6).

On arrival, they located the pig’s head close to where it had been originally left, off Avonvale Road, between the junctions with Queen Ann Road and Beam Street. It is next to Eccleston House, where a fire broke out lat month leaving many residents without homes. One man has since been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Barton Hill Activity Club tweeted: “Barton Hill residents woke up 2 this yesterday morning, it’s a very shocking to see this kind of hate crime and racism in 2022. The residents in Eccleston House keep calling me asking if this is related to the fire that happened last month?”

Chief Inspector Deepak Kenth said that the incident is being treated as a hate time, adding that forensic work and door-to-door enquiries are underway.

He said: “Based on the information we have at this time, this incident is being treated as a hate crime and an investigation has been launched. Officers from the neighbourhood policing team are carrying out reassurance in the local community, as well as working closely with our network of partner agencies and organisations.

“We don’t yet know the precise time the head was left in the alleyway, but we believe it was sometime on Sunday morning.

“A thorough review of CCTV footage from around the area is under way, as well as house-to-house and forensic-led enquiries, as part of our ongoing efforts to identify the person, or people, responsible.

He added: “There is absolutely no place for hate, or crude attempts to cause upset or division, in our communities.

“We want to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Avonvale Road area on Sunday morning, as well as anyone who lives in this area, who may have relevant doorbell footage, or who were driving in this area, who may have relevant dashcam footage.

“If you can help, please call us on 101 as soon as possible, and give the call handler the reference number 5222267142.”