Couple in fear of race attack (From Watford Observer)

Couple in fear of race attack

7:28am Saturday 10th May 2008 in

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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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