In a hate crime incident in south east England, a 14-year-old has been arrested after a group of teenage boys attacked an elderly Sikh man, Inderjit Singh (58), at Langley Memorial Park in Slough. Singh was encircled, kicked, and pulled to the ground by boys aged 13-16, who also attempted to grab his beard.
Thames Valley Police are investigating the case, treating it as a hate crime. Singh suffered three broken ribs, hand swelling, and cuts, though his turban protected his head. Despite having valuables, the attackers didn't steal anything, reinforcing the hate crime angle.
The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha condemned the assault, urging witnesses to aid the police. Detective Constable Holly Baxter emphasized the seriousness of hate crimes and assured continued patrols for community safety.
Singh, a Slough resident for 30 years, recounted the attack, expressing concern for his safety and that of his elderly mother. The incident has left him wary, reflecting the pervasive impact of hate crimes on individuals and communities.
Key Points:
1. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a hate crime incident involving the assault of an elderly Sikh man in south-east England.
2. Inderjit Singh, 58, was attacked by a group of boys aged between 13 and 16 while walking through Langley Memorial Park in Slough on November 21.
3. The offenders surrounded Singh, kicked and pulled him to the ground before fleeing the scene, leaving him with three broken ribs, hand injuries, and swelling. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
4. Thames Valley Police have released the arrested boy on bail until February 15 next year as the investigation continues.
5. Detective Constable Holly Baxter emphasized the seriousness of hate crimes, urging anyone with information to come forward as these incidents have a significant impact on victims and communities.
6. The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Slough condemned the attack, urging witnesses to cooperate with the police.
7. Inderjit Singh, describing the incident, highlighted the attempt to grab his beard and the subsequent assault that left him injured, though his turban protected his head.
8. Singh noted that despite having money and valuables on him, nothing was taken, indicating the attack was motivated by hate rather than robbery.
9. The assault has left Singh concerned about his safety and that of his elderly mother, making him wary of going out alone.
10. The attack on Inderjit Singh has raised concerns about the safety and security of individuals within the Sikh community in Slough, prompting calls for increased vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to prevent such incidents.
(With Agency Inputs)
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