An investigation into an alleged hate crime has been launched following reports a Muslim schoolgirl was assaulted as she walked home in East Renfrewshire.

The Newton Mearns Islamic Centre said the girl was returning home from Eastwood High School in Newton Mearns on Monday when she was allegedly attacked by a man on Harvie Avenue. The man also allegedly made threatening comments against Muslims.

In a statement posted on social media, a spokesperson for the Newton Mearns Islamic Centre said: “We understand that while a young Muslim schoolgirl was walking home from Eastwood High School, she was assaulted by a male and he also made threatening comments against Muslims.

“In collaboration with East Renfrewshire Muslim Forum (ERMF), we have reached out to the family of the girl to offer our support.” The statement from the center said Police Scotland, MPs and councilors has been contacted to ensure “full efforts” were being made to investigate the incident.

Source: The Scotsman