KIDDERMINSTER residents have rallied to the support of a "terrified" Muslim family in Horsefair after a pig’s head and trotters were dumped into their garden by anonymous offenders.

The family, who have children under the age of five but wish to remain unnamed, were left "deeply shocked" by the incident when it occurred between Wednesday and Friday of last week.

Social media commenters reacted to condemn the incident after neighbours shared the news in a community group, with users writing to express their "disgust" at the "deplorable" actions.

Muslim councillor Shazu Miah criticised the attack, which occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, but was quick to praise the support from locals shown towards the family.

Councillor Miah, who has liaised with police on the family’s behalf, said: "This sort of behaviour, which is intended to incite hatred and violence within communities, has no place in Kidderminster.

"The Muslim community in Kidderminster have worked tirelessly with other communities to ensure integration and openness with all communities, but there is clearly more work to be done.

"Leaving pig meat is a direct and aggressive insult to Muslims this month, which is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

"The family, who have children below school age, are deeply shocked and have been left terrified by the incident.

"There has been huge support for the family from local people across all backgrounds who were appalled by the incident.

"They are grateful for the support they have received from all sections of the community."

Fellow Offmore and Comberton Liberal Democrats councillor, Fran Oborski, visited the victims and helped remove the traces of pig from their garden, which was then passed on to police.

She said: "I think it is unbelievable that people would behave in that way.

"The family are absolutely loathed to handle bits of pig so I arranged to go around and pick up the offending articles and take them to the police. I was pleased to be able to support the family.

"They have been incredibly dignified but the women and children are very distressed.

"They are a lovely local family who have been in Kidderminster for ages and I am just horrified that in our community we have a piece of low-life who would behave like that.

"It is shameful that we have people in our community who are this bigoted."

Labour Town Councillor for Broadwaters, Sarah Rook, also threw her support behind the family.

She said: "I am disgusted that our Muslim friends have been targeted in this way.

"As a councillor for the area I will be looking to support the Muslim community to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure our wonderful community relationships are not undone by these mindless idiots."

Officers from West Mercia Police, who received reports of the incident on Friday, June 10, have been in contact with local community groups to provide reassurance and support.

A spokesperson added: "It has been logged as a hate crime and is being investigated as ‘using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent/likely to stir up racial hatred’.

"If anyone witnessed the incident or has information that could help police with their investigation please call 101 and quote incident 613s of 10th June 2016.

"Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org."