An abusive letter containing non-harmful white powder was sent to a mosque in Priory Street on May 2.

A statement was released on the Essex Police Facebook page from Chief Superintendent Ewen Wilson.

“We are working closely with faith leaders in Colchester after an abusive letter containing a non-harmful white powder was sent to a mosque in Priory Street on Wednesday, May 2.

“The incident, although rare, is very serious and is being investigated as a hate crime.

“Essex Police will not accept or tolerate hate crimes in our communities, be it online or in the street.

“We urge people across all faiths and backgrounds to be vigilant and report any information that can assist our dedicated investigative team.

“This incident in Colchester is being treated as isolated but targeted. There have also been a number of other similar incidents across the country.

“We will be carrying out further patrols in the Priory Street mosque area following this incident.

“We work closely with community groups, faith leaders and independent advisory groups across Essex who support us in tackling these crimes and we value these close relationships.

“There are now 39 Hate Incident Reporting Centres across the county and 450 people from the public and voluntary sector, who have been fully trained as hate crime ambassadors, building on our commitment to tackle hate crime and support victims.

“If you have any information about this incident please call Essex Police quoting incident 587 of 02/05 or online by visiting www.essex.police.uk.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppoers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“If you do not have the confidence to talk to the police you can report it to Hate Incident Reporting Centres by visiting www.essex.police.uk/advice/hate-crime/#hircs or visit www.report-it.org.uk”