Horror video shows teenagers attacking restaurant owner in a village where residents were forced to hire private security

SHOCKING footage shows a group of teenagers attacking the owner of a restaurant in a village where residents were forced to hire private security.

Horrified residents of Barnham, West Sussex, have branded their town lawless after another violent video went viral.

6

6

6

The latest footage shows an unprovoked attack on the family-run Indian restaurant Passage to India in the picturesque village.

The restaurant’s owner, Muhammed ‘Mo’ Islam, 64, was attacked by a group of youths who tried to break in before breaking a window.

The father of four says he was attacked after trying to explain to a group of young people that restaurant toilets were for paying customers only.

He was allegedly punched and kicked several times in the head and shoulders.

Following the attack on Sunday, May 19, local residents sent cards and flowers to the popular local restaurant with messages of support.

“It’s really moving,” 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.”

Incidents of violence and shoplifting in the village have become so frequent that local businesses have banded together to hire private security.

Islam added: “The first girl came in and said she was using the bathroom and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

“She said 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 that these were not public bathrooms.

“That’s when I got punched.”

Islam and his team claimed they managed to get the group out of the restaurant and kept the door closed while trying to break the windows.

Neighbors, upon hearing the noise, filmed the shocking incident.

He added: “They tried to break all the windows. I received some punches and kicks.”

I’ve lived here for 36 years and nothing like this has ever happened before.”

Restaurant owner Muhammed ‘Mo’ Islam

After the attack, Islam said the community came together to offer support.

“We have been part of this community for 36 years.

“All my children attended local schools and played football and cricket for local teams.

“I am moved by the reaction, by the way the local population reacted and how they helped us.

“I’m feeling much better now with the reaction of the residents I serve.

“They supported me, it’s really fantastic,” Islam said.

A card sent to the restaurant reads: “The community is with you.”

“Life involves good days and bad days, but it’s really moving,” said the businessman.

A public meeting at the Town Hall with more than 200 locals heard how they feel held hostage by savage youths.

The meeting was prompted by another shocking video of staff being attacked at Barnham railway station during the Easter holidays.

Sussex Police were ordered to disperse after film of the attack went viral.

VICIOUS ATTACK

A local shopkeeper, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said the village is infested with wild youths who exploit the south coast rail network.

The community came together when Sir Keir Starmer pledged to tackle anti-social behaviour.

A week after the attack, the Labor leader made tackling anti-social behavior one of his six pledges at a rally near Lancing.

Islam said: “Politicians need to take this seriously.

“I’m aware of what’s happening in Barnham and I’m hopeful, but this is a serious problem.

“Now it has reached the limit in Barnham.

“We now see a lot more activity from the police, but if politicians treat this as a serious matter, then there is a way to find a solution.”

Sussex Police said they had launched an investigation following the attack 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, district commander for Chichester and Arun, said: “This is an unacceptable and unprovoked attack.

“Those who go to work should not tolerate this behavior and we are taking this report very seriously.

“An investigation is underway and we will hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

“We are aware of a social media post showing the incident. I would advise users not to speculate or share at this time and to report any evidence to Sussex Police.”

6

6