Gang of thugs target man in racist attack

TEENAGE thugs beat a man to the ground after hurling racist abuse at him.
Injuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston ParkInjuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston Park
Injuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston Park

The victim was cycling home through Kingston Park, St Mary’s Road, Fratton, when a youth shouted abuse at him.

Speaking to The News, the 28-year-old Tunisian said he was kicked while on the floor suffering bruises to his face and left side of his body.

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He said people just walked past him on the ground following the attack.

Injuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston ParkInjuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston Park
Injuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston Park

The man, who asked not to be named, said: ‘I was just cycling and they were cycling from the other side.

‘They suddenly decided to be racist and take the mick out of me and it started from there.

‘I said “guys why did you do that, what’s your point?” and he said “you can’t speak to me” and punched me and someone pushed me from my bike. A lady passing said for them to stop and called the police.

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‘When she did that they ran away, but so many people passed and they didn’t even stop to help me.

Injuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston ParkInjuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston Park
Injuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston Park

‘They just wanted to start trouble but maybe they used the racism to start me off.

‘I’m grateful to the lady –because of her I’m still alive.’

He was attacked by about eight youths last Thursday at 5.50pm.

It comes after a national spike in hate crime following the vote for Brexit last month.

Injuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston ParkInjuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston Park
Injuries to the man attacked by a gang in Kingston Park
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The man added: ‘I was upset because I’ve been living here for five years and had no problem or racism against me.

‘The racist words hurt more than anything else.’

He added police initially told him they could not zoom into CCTV footage if they did not know the suspects and he was left feeling that little could be done.

In a statement, a Hampshire police spokeswoman said: ‘We attended the scene and spoke to the victim, who suffered minor injuries. This is being treated as a hate crime and is under investigation.’

Call police on 101, quoting 44160262685.