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Couple in fear of race attack
A frightened couple from South Oxhey say repeated attacks by racist yobs have made them scared of leaving their own home.
They say youths, ranging from their early to late teens, have gathered en masse outside their home, near Hayling Road, on six occasions this year, shouting racist abuse and throwing rocks - one of which smashed a hole in a front window.
Homeowner Buch Umang said he wanted people on the estate to know what was happening to his family.
The 29-year-old sales consultant, who works full-time at Heathrow Airport, said: "They come mainly at the weekend after they have been drinking.
"It started in January when I heard really loud banging at the door. When I opened it there were two boys, about 15 to 20 years-old wearing hoods. They had just broken a small window at the front of the house.
"They called me names and told me to go home. But this is my home now.
"I would love to go into the street and confront these people but I have so much to lose from doing that. I have to provide for my wife and family - I just want to get on with my life."
Similar incidents have occurred five times since. On one occasion in April it is alleged that more than 20 youths hurled abuse at the couple as they entertained friends inside the property.
Other, more "low level", incidents, they say, have included youths surrounding the couple's car and insulting them in the street.
Hayling ward councillor Kerron Cross, who narrowly retained his by just 14 votes from the British National Party (BNP) at Thursday's Three Rivers District Council elections, said he was appalled by the incidents.
He said: "Unfortunately, racism has been a problem on the estate from a minority of people during my six years as a councillor.
"But it is important that people realise this kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable. I would urge anyone who suffers abuse to come forward to the police about it straight away."
Police have visited the couple and six incidents are being investigated by a specialist hate crime officers.
The couple, however, say their experiences will not drive them from their home.
They concluded: "We have a life here and want to stay. Most people have been fantastic to us; it is just a few who are doing this to us. We don't want them punished, we just want them to learn that what they are doing is wrong and never do it again."
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7:28am Saturday 10th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Winston, watford on 7:56am Sat 10 May 08
the council and housing assiciations should look at the guilty partys and look at relocating the families concerned should they continue their hate compain!
the council and housing assiciations should look at the guilty partys and look at relocating the families concerned should they continue their hate compain!
Posted by: Boris, Elderberry Thatch on 3:40pm Sat 10 May 08
Spineless racists, hiding behind their pathetic hoodies. What a waste of life. Vermin.
Spineless racists, hiding behind their pathetic hoodies. What a waste of life. Vermin.
Posted by: OxheyMoron, oxhey on 7:23pm Sat 10 May 08
Move them to Croxley View!
Move them to Croxley View!
Posted by: M McAndrew, Watford on 7:52pm Sun 11 May 08
If this report is accurate - and I say IF - then of course the strictest police action should be taken against such thugs.
I express doubts, because we all know just how swift and frequently massive is the usual police response at the faintest suggestion of anti-Black racism; in complete contrast to their disinterest when the offence is one of anti-White racism.
I see another London Vicar has been beaten up by an Asian mob - nothing in the national Press - and in spite of the victim stating "There is a certain racial and religious element to this" the police are treating it merely as "a simple assault".
If this report is accurate - and I say IF - then of course the strictest police action should be taken against such thugs.
I express doubts, because we all know just how swift and frequently massive is the usual police response at the faintest suggestion of anti-Black racism; in complete contrast to their disinterest when the offence is one of anti-White racism.
I see another London Vicar has been beaten up by an Asian mob - nothing in the national Press - and in spite of the victim stating "There is a certain racial and religious element to this" the police are treating it merely as "a simple assault".
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