Racists stab man after BNP’s Barking success

Kiran Randhawa | Friday, 19 May 2006 Source: Evening Standard

An Afghan immigrant who fled the Taliban regime has been stabbed in a racially motivated attack in Barking – days after the BNP won 11 seats on the council.

The mechanic in his thirties was set upon by four white men, who reportedly shouted f***ing Pakis" before stabbing him in the chest and stomach.

After the attack the gang – all wearing Arsenal football shirts – left an England flag draped over their victim before fleeing, witnesses said.

The man, who is known locally as Asad but has not been formally named, is in a serious but stable condition at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. After the BNP's success in the election for Barking and Dagenham council this month, anti-racism activists warned racial attacks were likely to increase in the area.

The assault took place in Station Parade at about 10.20pm on Wednesday. Asad was walking to a shop near his home with a friend when a group of men approached, chanting and waving flags after the match between Arsenal and Barcelona.

His friend, an Iranian immigrant who would not give his name, said: "We were so frightened. These men came towards us screaming, 'Are you f***ing pakis, are you f***ing Muslims?' Then before I knew it they stabbed Asad. It was awful. There was blood everywhere.

"The men then stole my mobile and £65 in cash." The victims managed to walk to Barking police station, where an ambulance was called.

The Iranian man added: "Just because their team lost, they took it out on my friend. He is a lovely hardworking man. He came here to escape the violence in his country and wanted to make a good life, and then he is attacked just because of the colour of his skin.

"I thought he was going to die. I am so frightened for my life now. I'm scared to go out after dark just in case this happens again.

"I have lived in this country for seven years and the problems with racism have just got worse. It is particularly bad in Barking."

Gerry Gable, publisher of anti-fascist magazine Searchlight, said: "Throughout their history, wherever the BNP have gone, racial violence has followed."

Anyone with information can ring police on 020 8217 5519 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.