Police launch inquiry into man who DEFECATED in racism campaigner’s garden
Officers have shared an image of a man they want to trace after reports of somebody defecating in Azeem Rafiq's garden
South Yorkshire Police
Officers are looking to trace a man in connection with reports of somebody defecated in the garden of cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
The cricketer told MPs earlier this month about the difficulties his family have faced since he revealed the racism he encountered.
The Yorkshire bowler said in another incident a man was seen late at night circling his home with what looked like a chain in his hand.
Mr Rafiq opened up to Parliament about the racism encountered in cricket
House of Commons
During that session in Parliament, Mr Rafiq said: “The downside and the difficult bits have been that my family has been the target of abuse, threats and attacks.
“Recently at my family house there was a bloke in broad daylight who, basically, walked in and out of the garden on the phone before defecating. Bringing a loo roll. And, it looked all very planned.”
On Thursday, South Yorkshire police said the force were investigating an incident in Barnsley on October 5 which is being described as a hate crime.
Mr Rafiq added: “If I was to look at 13 months on from me opening my heart out, all that’s changed really is that me and my family have been driven out of the country.
“And that’s a sad element of it.”
Police have since released a photo of a man they would like to speak to.
It said in a statement: “At 6.18pm on 5 October, it’s reported that a man defecated in the front garden of an address on Gawber Road, Barnsley.
People gathered in support of Azeem Rafiq after he spoke out about the racism he had suffered
PA
“It is believed that the incident, which is classed as a public order offence, is racially motivated.
“We are looking to speak to this man as we believe he could help us progress our enquiries.”
Anyone who recognises the man is asked to contact police online or call 101, quoting incident 726 of October 12.