'We were definitely targeted because we had models in a hijab': Fashion shoot for a Muslim women's label is 'swarmed by police who mistook the clothes for Islamic flags'

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A photo shoot for a Muslim women's fashion label was reportedly 'swarmed' by police after officers mistook white and pink clothes for ­'Islamic flags'

A photo shoot for a Muslim women's fashion label was reportedly 'swarmed' by police after officers mistook white and pink clothes and headscarves for ­'Islamic flags'. 

The owner of Sydney label Hijab House, Tarik Houchar, said he believed they were targeted because the models 'were in a hijab'.

At least five officers interrupted the fashion shoot outside the Victoria Barracks army base museum in the west of Sydney on Sunday, according to The Australian.

Mr Houchar, who lives in Sydney, claimed that officers asked the group to remove the clothes from where they had been hanging on a fence.

'I'm still baffled by how the police could have mistaken ordinary looking garments for flags,' Mr Houchar said. 

'I'm saddened by it all. We were definitely targeted because we had models that were in a hijab.'

NSW Police confirmed they approached the group, which included a stylist and photographer, and took down their personal details. 

When Mr Houchar asked why they were being questioned in an 'intimidating' way, one officer allegedly said it was because of 'things happening overseas'. 

Mr Houchar has since taken to Facebook to criticise the police for interrupting the 'small scale, beautiful and peaceful' photo shoot.

'So apparently in modern day Australia, this is now classified as War/cult paraphernalia,' he wrote after sharing an image of some of the clothes hanging on the fence.

'You might have to stop hanging your clothes on the clothesline; you'll have police swooping in on your yards.

'They were being proactive but there could have been a complain we didn't know about. Although that would surprise me as the photo shoot was so small scale and beautiful/peaceful.'

Hijab House, which has more than 70,000 Instagram followers, describes itself as 'one of the world's largest hijab fashion brands' (picture taken from brand's website)

At least five officers interrupted the fashion shoot outside the Victoria Barracks army base (pictured) museum in the west of Sydney

A video taken by Murat Turkeli reportedly shows police talking to Mr Houchar and his staff as well as some of the models.

A spokesman for NSW Police said: 'Police spoke with a group of people outside Victoria Barracks in Paddington yesterday. 

'Officers established the group were holding a fashion shoot at the location. Once those involved realised their location, the garments were removed from the wall . 

'Their details were taken and inquiries were made. Police left the area and it is believed the parties remained in the area. No further action was taken.' 

Hijab House, which has more than 70,000 Instagram followers, describes itself as 'one of the world's largest hijab fashion brands that offers the latest looks to young hijabis'.