East London News A Force for the community…
FIVE PEOPLE have been charged in connection with the attack on a young asylum seeker last Friday night.
The victim has now been identified as 17 year old Reker Ahmed and it has now been confirmed that he suffered a fractured spine and a fractured skull in the attack, as well as a bleed on the brain. Police report that he has begun to recover and it is hoped that he will be able to leave intensive care soon. They have also confirmed that his face will be permanently scarred.
Croydon Police say that they are looking for five more individuals in connection with the attack. They have released CCTV stills (above) of two individuals they wish to identify and speak to.
Detective Inspector Gary Castle, from Croydon CID, said, “”If you can help identify any of these people please call my team without delay. All communities stand together against hate. No one should be subjected to violent behaviour, especially those who have come to London to seek refuge and a place of safety.”
Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe, Borough Commander for Croydon, said, “We take hate crime extremely seriously as we know how destructive these offences can be, both to individuals and to communities. I know how much of an impact incidents like this have on our communities and I would like to take the opportunity to reassure them that my officers continue to be visible and tackle anyone involved in this type of offending. Hate crime is often a hidden crime and it is essential we stand together with policing partners, colleagues and groups to investigate all such allegations and support victims.”
Anyone with information that can assist in identifying or locating the people shown in the images should contact Croydon CID during office hours on 020 3276 2234 or via 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting the image reference Q (above left) or S (above right).
The five people already charged with offences appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court. Barry Potts (20), Jack Walder (24) and siblings Daryl Davis (20) and Danyelle Davis (24) were charged with violent disorder and were released on conditional bail. George Walder (20), the brother of Jack Walder, faced two charges – violent disorder and racially aggravated Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) – and was remanded in custody. The five defendants will appear in Court again on 1st May.
Prime Minister Theresa May has added her voice to those who have expressed their shock at this incident, referring to the assault as “absolutely despicable”. She had not yet indicated any change in government policy on immigration, much of which is thought to inspire anti-immigrant sentiment.
East London News says:
The initial arrests in this matter were made on suspicion of attempted murder, and the fact that four of the five people charged are back out on our streets does not make our community feel safe. W worry for the safety of those in the Croydon area and we worry that granting bail sends out a message to racists in other areas that trying to beat a young man to a pulp is not all that serious.
Anti-racist campaigners are hoping that ongoing police inquiries will lead to more people being charged and additional charges which reflect the very serious nature of this particular offence. A one-to-one fight after the pub closes might result in injuries which could lead to a charge of Grievous Bodily Harm: no one who is part of a crowd of 20 or 30 people who are kicking the head and body of a man on the ground or jeering on others who are doing so should be charged with anything less than attempted murder. It is pure luck that these animals are not facing a charge of murder.
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