The victim of an alleged assault in a West Sussex village reportedly in the midst of a growing crime wave has spoken of his shock at the “non-stop” attack.
Two girls, aged 14 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and released on bail. The arrests came after what police described as an “unprovoked attack” at The Passage to India restaurant in The Square, Barham, at 10pm on Sunday, May 19.
Muhammed Islam, 64, said he had been trying to reason with a group of youths who were not customers at the restaurant but insisted on using its toilets before he was allegedly set upon.
He said he was punched and kicked in the head and shoulders in the alleged attack. He said almost £300 worth of damage was done to the eatery after a window was kicked in.
Mr. Islam, who helps his son run the family business, told Express.co.uk he was still shocked, adding: “It was terrible. It was non-stop.
“I have been in this village for 36 years. I never expected anything like this to happen before. Recently, we are facing this kind of behaviour. It used to be nice and peaceful here.”
Neighbors heard the commotion and filmed what happened, with footage showing a group of youth outside the restaurant shouting and screaming.
The alleged attack comes after locals held a public meeting in the village which was prompted by an attack on staff at Barnham train station during the Easter break.
A local shopkeeper, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, was quoted by MailOnline as saying the village was plagued by feral youth, exploiting the rail network.
Mr Islam called on politicians to do more to stop anti-social behaviour, adding he was impressed at the way the village had rallied to support him.
He said: “I'm really humbled by the local support for me from guests, neighbors and well-wishers. Everyone has come together, giving cards and flowers.”
He added: “I hope everything will be sorted, things will return to normal and everyone will be able to run their businesses safely. The community will be strong together and look out for each other. There shouldn't be room for this kind of behavior in society, there's no respect.”
Sussex Police wants to speak to others believed to have been involved in the alleged attack on Mr Islam.
Ch Insp Will Keating-Jones from the force said: “This is an unacceptable and unprovoked attack. Those who go to work should not have to tolerate this behavior and we are taking this report extremely seriously.
“An investigation is underway and we will hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions.
“We are aware of a post on social media showing the incident. I would urge users not to speculate or share it at this time and report any evidence to Sussex Police.”
Witnesses or anyone with any information or footage is asked to report it to police online or call 101 quoting serial 1327 of 19/05.