Police have arrested the owner of a hairdressing salon after she apparently posted on her Facebook page that Muslims were no longer welcome at her business.
The 43-year-old woman, who runs Blinks of Bicester hair salon in Oxfordshire, was arrested on Sunday after members of the public reported the posts, Thames Valley police said.
One post on her page, which has since been taken down, is said to have read: “Blinks of Bicester are no longer taking bookings from anyone from the Islamic faith whether you are UK granted with passport or not. Sorry but time to put my country first.”
A later post reportedly read: “I have been inundated with messages tonight as I said I would not book any muslin [sic] or Islamic client. I stand by that completely as a UK citizen. However those that want to call me racialist. Think on.”
A police spokesperson said: “A 43-year-old woman from Bicester was arrested on Sunday under section 19 of the Public Order Act after a number of reports from members of the public.”
The woman was arrested on suspicion of displaying written material that is threatening, abusive or insulting with the intention of stirring up racial hatred, and producing malicious communications, police said. She has been released on police bail until Monday 30 November.
Sgt Steve Dixon said: “Thames Valley police treats all allegations of racial aggravation very seriously and will always take steps to investigate them. Anyone who has information about such offences should call the 24-hour police inquiry line on 101.”
Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses are forbidden from refusing service on the basis of a particular religion or belief.
Facebook users responded to the posts by writing fake reviews on the page complaining about service at the salon.
A leading beauty academy took steps to distance itself from the salon. Nouveau Beauty Group said: “We will be terminating any future supply of our products to this independent business with immediate effect.”
Regarding the recent reports concerning Blinks of Bicester: pic.twitter.com/MS7HpW1KkB
— Nouveau Beauty Group (@NouveauBG) November 16, 2015
