Veiled women have been spat at and had eggs and stones thrown at them, according to new research into their lives.

The research looks into the victimisation of veiled Muslim women and their experiences as direct victims of Islamophobia in the streets of Leicester.

It was carried out by Irene Zempi, from the Department of Criminology at the University of Leicester. Her research revealing the ‘hidden’, often ‘invisible’ nature of Islamophobia.

Irene said: ‘‘My study is looking into the experiences of veiled Muslim women in order to raise awareness about the ‘true’ nature of Islamophobia that they face, and the consequences of the abuse and intimidation veiled Muslim women and their communities have to go through’’. Individual victims may be targeted when they are spotted in a public place such as streets, shopping centres, buses, and trains.

‘‘Persistent staring, spitting, calling names, throwing of eggs or stones, and pulling women’s veils off are the overwhelming types of anti-Muslim hostilities, yet rarely reported to the police. As a result, this victimisation remains ‘invisible’ for police and local authority.”

Dr Neil Chakraborti, from the Department of Criminology, added, “The topic of Islamophobia has been subjected to considerable debate and conjecture in recent years, but at present little is known about the specific nature, extent and impact of Islamophobic prejudice experienced by veiled women and its consequences for victims, their families and wider communities.”