- Locals in Barnham, West Sussex, say they are scared to leave their homes
Shocking footage shows the moment a group of feral teenagers carry out an unprovoked attack on a restaurant in a village gripped by a growing crimewave.
Locals in Barnham, West Sussex, have said they are scared to leave their homes as the village is being held hostage by a group of unruly youths.
Incidents of violence and shoplifting have become so frequent in Barnham that local businesses have even hired private security to protect themselves.
The family-run Passage to India restaurant was targeted on May 19 with the front windows of the business smashed, it has been revealed.
Owner Muhammed Islam, 64, says he was attacked by a group of youths as he tried to tell them that the restaurant toilets were for paying customers only.
He was allegedly punched and kicked several times in the head and shoulders.
Owner Muhammed Islam, 64, (pictured) says he was attacked by a group of youths as he tried to tell them that the restaurant toilets were for paying customers only
The family-run Passage to India restaurant was targeted on May 19 with the front windows of the business smashed
The attack on May 19 was captured on camera, with a video being shared online
Following the attack, locals sent cards and flowers to the restaurant with messages of support.
Mr Islam said: ‘I’ve lived here for 36 years and we’ve had the restaurant for 35 years.
‘We’ve never had anything like this happen before.’
He continued: ‘The first girl came in and said she was using the toilet and there was nothing anybody could do about it.
‘She was saying to herself, “I’m 16 and you can’t touch me”.
‘When she came back later with a group, I tried to explain to them they are not public toilets.
‘That’s when I was punched.’
Mr Islam and his staff managed to get the group out of the restaurant and held the door closed as the raiders tried to smash the windows.
Neighbours who heard the noise filmed the incident.
Mr Islam said of his attackers: ‘They tried to break all the windows,’ Mr Islam said.
‘I received quite a few punches and kicks.
Following the attack, Mr Islam said the community came together to offer support.
Sussex Police have appealed for people to come forward with information about the crime
Muhammed Islam was allegedly punched and kicked several times in the head and shoulders
Mr Islam and his staff managed to get the group out of the restaurant and held the door closed as they tried to smash the windows
Following the attack, Mr Islam said the community came together to offer support
Injuries sustained by Mr Islam in the attack on his chest area
‘We’ve been part of this community for 36 years.
‘All my children went to local schools and played football and cricket for local teams.
‘I’m humbled by the reaction, how the local people have taken it and how they have helped us.
‘I’m feeling much better now with the reaction from the locals I serve.
‘They have stood by me, it’s really fantastic.’
One card sent to the restaurant read: ‘The community stands with you.’
‘Life is all about good days and bad days, but it’s really touching,’ Mr Islam said.
The attack comes after a public meeting was held in the village hall where locals said they felt they have become hostages to the feral youths.
The meeting was prompted by another shocking video of staff being attacked at Barnham train station over the Easter holidays.
Sussex Police were granted a dispersal order after the video of the attack went viral.
A local shopkeeper, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said the village is plagued with feral youth who exploit the south coast train network.
And Mr Islam now urged: ‘The politicians need to take this seriously.
‘I’m aware of what’s been going on in Barnham and I’m hopeful, but this is a serious issue. It’s reached a limit in Barnham now.
‘We see a lot more activity from the police now, but if the politicians treated this as a serious matter then there is a way to find a solution.’
Police and other public officials at the public meeting called in Barnham in early April
An emergency public meeting to address the surge in antisocial behaviour was attended by more than 200 residents of the village in West Sussex
Pictured: The outside of Barnham railway station where locals say feral teens have taken over
Following the April 2 incident at Barnham station, Sussex Police were granted a dispersal order after film of an attack on railway staff went went viral
Sussex Police said they launched an investigation following the assault on Sunday, May 19 and appealed for witnesses.
A 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl from Yapton, West Sussex, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and released on bail pending further enquiries.
Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones, Chichester and Arun District Commander, said: ‘This is an unacceptable and unprovoked attack.
‘Those who go to work should not have to tolerate this behaviour and we are taking this report extremely seriously.
‘An investigation is underway and we will hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions.’