HATE CRIMES DATABASE FOR UK SIKHS

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Evacuation bomb alert

24 August 2005

DOZENS of people were evacuated from a Sikh Temple after a suspect package was discovered nearby.

Priests and worshippers at the Sikh Temple in Calderwood Street, Woolwich, were evacuated by firefighters after the package was found on the building's steps.

Firefighters and Greenwich police threw a 100 metre cordon up around the temple while investigations were carried out at 2.50pm last Saturday (20).

Police advised 'immediate' residents to stay inside their homes.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "We were called to the Sikh Temple at 2.50pm to reports of a suspect package.

"We assisted the police while they carried out investigations.

"The package was revealed to be a silver box for a camera.

"There was a wedding at the Temple earlier that day and someone had left the camera behind causing the alert."

Police are now urging residents to take care of their own belongings.

A Greenwich police spokesman said: "The public are doing their job - they are reporting anything they think is suspicious to us immediately.

"But people must make sure they have their bags with them at all time.

"Children should also be aware of this and make sure they have their belongings with them.

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MPs call for Sikhs to be protected after terror attacks Aug 22 2005

By Jonathan Walker, Political Editor

Police must protect Sikhs from any reprisals following the terrorist attacks on London, a Midland MP has warned.

Rob Marris (Lab Wolverhampton South West) said Sikhs could be targeted following recent events.

Sikh Gurdwaras, or temples, have already been vandalised by people attacking Muslims, who do not understand the difference between Sikhs and Muslims or do not care, he said.

The MP has tabled a House of Commons motion urging Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, and chief constables across the country to thoroughly investigate any attacks on the Sikh community and other minority communities.

He said: "I am very concerned that the Sikh community and other minority communities should not become the target for hate attacks following the dreadful bombings in London on the July 7.

"The UK Sikh community have expressed their deep sadness and concerns along with others at the terrible atrocities perpetrated by the terrorists, both in London, New York and elsewhere in the world.

"Since September 11, 2001 there have been several attacks suffered by the visible Sikh community including attacks on Sikh gurdwaras.

"I roundly condemn such attacks, and attacks on other minority communities, and would ask the police to be vigilant and to treat any threats against minorities very seriously."

The Commons motion highlights "the several attacks suffered by the visible UK Sikh community and by other minority communities following the New York atrocity of September 11."

It has also been signed by Peter Luff (Con Mid Worcestershire) and Janet Dean ( Lab Burton).

Mr Marris is Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for UK Sikhs, which is designed to ensure Sikhs have a voice in Government

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CRIME: Man kidnapped and stabbed

BLEEDING from stab wounds and with thick nylon rope tied round his wrists, a man staggered into a pub pleading for help.

Horrified drinkers in the Woodston pub, in Belsize Avenue, Peterbroough, went to his aid as the terrified man managed to gasp that he had been attacked by men wearing balaclavas.

The drama began when the 25-year-old man, a Sikh, staggered through the front door bleeding profusely and calling for help.

Customers were shocked as he told them he had been the victim of a brutal abduction.

Today, one woman who was in the pub just after 10.30pm on Tuesday told how she tried to help the victim.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: "He told us that he had been attacked by four men, who were wearing balaclavas, and dragged down an alley nearby.

"He said they tied him up and stabbed him. He was in a bad way.

"We ran towards him to help him and sit him down. He looked terrible.

"He had thick, blue nylon rope around his wrists still and both his arms had been slashed from the elbows upwards.

"The stab wound in his leg was just inches from the main artery. He had also been severely beaten and he was terrified. I couldn't believe it. It was terrible to see someone so brutally injured."

Landlady of the Woodston, Sharon Rimmington, said: "It was an awful thing to happen to anyone and he looked very badly injured.

"It's not what you expect, nor what you want to see happen, in Woodston, and it is very upsetting."

Police and an ambulance were called and arrived within minutes.

Paramedics administered oxygen to the injured man inside the pub, while officers took a statement.

The man was taken to Peterborough District Hospital where he was treated for cuts and bruises and stab wounds to his leg and arms.

Police immediately launched an investigation into the assault.

Detective Constable Mark Stratton said: "I would appeal to anyone in this area around 10.30pm on Tuesday, who may have seen the assault, or what happened in the moments leading up to it, to contact me.

"We need to find out exactly what happened prior to this assault taking place. Any information you have, no matter how trivial or insignificant you feel it may be, could help us to do that and find those responsible."

>>Anyone with information should call DC Stratton at Thorpe Wood police station, on 0845 456 4564, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

18 August 2005

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Sat 27 Aug 2005

Asian's turban ripped off in daylight Princes Street attack

NICOLA STOW

CRIME REPORTER

AN Asian man had his turban ripped off during a vicious racist attack on Princes Street.

The 20-year-old Sikh was walking home from work at 5.10pm when two young thugs approached him.

They hurled racist abuse at the man, swearing and calling him a "turban head" as they followed him along the road, repeatedly pushing him from behind.

When the man finally turned round, one of men punched him in the face and knocked him to the ground. The other man then held the victim while his accomplice continued to punch him. The pair then ripped off his turban and jacket.

The brutal assault was only stopped when the men were disturbed by two passers-by.

The attackers then fled in opposite directions.

Police said they were appalled at the incident and are calling on witnesses to come forward.

They said the man received minor injuries, but refused medical treatment.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "This was an atrocious assault on a respectable young man which only stopped when two public-spirited people intervened.

"We are grateful to them for coming to his assistance and believe others may also have helped. The two passers-by who intervened have given information to police, but we would appeal to anyone else who saw this incident, or can offer any information which will help us trace the attackers, to come forward.

"There were lots of people around at a very busy time on the busiest road in the city centre. This outrageous behaviour is entirely unacceptable and we would be grateful for any public assistance which will help us track them down."

The attack happened on Friday, August 19 when the man was walking near McDonald's in the direction of Frasers.

One of the attackers ran off towards the West End and the other went in the opposite direction.

One is described as being aged between 17 and 20, about 6ft, white, with spiky blond short hair with a streak through it, slim and pale complexion. He was wearing a grey or white top, jeans and trainers. The other was aged between 17 and 20, about 5ft 6in, white, with short hair. He was medium build and was wearing a white tracksuit.

The attack comes a month after police announced increased measures to protect Edinburgh's ethnic minorities in the wake of the London bombings. Officers have visited mosques and other places of worship to check on security arrangements.

Patrolling police officers are also paying extra visits to vulnerable businesses, such as shops run by members of ethnic communities. But Edinburgh's only Asian councillor, Shami Khan, said many race-hate victims were not calling the police.

He said: "This attack is horrific and it is evidence that things are getting much worse. But there are so many cases I can think of where people aren't going to the police because they're frightened"

I am calling on the police, the local authority and the Scottish Executive to set up a taskforce to look at how they can protect the Asian community."