Somalian Gangs Terrorize Indian Businesses in Wembley with Targeted Attacks
In a disturbing series of events, gangs of suspected Somalian men have been allegedly terrorizing Indian-origin shopkeepers and restaurant owners in Wembley, London. These targeted attacks have involved trashing shops and restaurants, causing significant destruction and instilling fear within the local community. The violence appears to be escalating, with recent incidents following a similar attack in Harlow last week where a gang assaulted Holi revellers, leading Wembley shopkeepers to suspect it might be the same group involved.
Parliamentary Concerns and Police Response Under Scrutiny
Bob Blackman MP raised the Harrow attack in Parliament on Monday, highlighting the severity of the situation. He stated, “Thugs from the Central Mosque attacked the annual Holi celebration in Harrow, attempting to assault over 1,000 peaceful worshippers. 20 attackers, one arrest... The Met has questions to answer.” This statement underscores growing concerns about police effectiveness in addressing these violent incidents, as many attacks occur with perpetrators fleeing before law enforcement arrives.
Detailed Accounts of Violence and Vandalism
One of the most targeted locations has been the Manek Chowk Indian restaurant on Ealing Road in Wembley, which was attacked twice in the past week—on March 5 and March 7. Videos from the incidents show miscreants, most wearing thobes and all with face coverings, descending upon the restaurant and wreaking havoc. Footage reveals tables and chairs overturned, with food and crockery scattered everywhere, indicating a deliberate and chaotic destruction.
A local Person of Indian Origin (PIO) store owner, who witnessed the vandalism, provided a chilling account: “It started in Traders Wembley last Wednesday. Three men from Daman and Diu were beaten up in the toilets and left bleeding. It was a Somalian gang of young boys. Next, they targeted Manek Chowk. It was a gang of 15 to 20. They came from the mosque area and attacked the restaurant, and 10 or 12 youths got off the bus and joined them and started smashing the restaurant. They didn’t speak with anyone. They just started throwing tables and chairs. They attacked the tills and broke the lights. An Indian man who tried to intervene was hit with a bottle. It keeps happening after 8pm and is totally unprovoked.”
Additional Incidents and Community Reactions
Another video, shot on March 6, captured a gang of masked men in thobes pulling fruit and vegetable boxes out at Panesar Food and Wine on Harrow Road in Wembley, throwing them on the ground and treading on them. A local resident commented, “They destroy the places, video it and go. It looks like they are paid,” suggesting a possible organized motive behind these attacks. In both cases, by the time police showed up, the gang had fled after causing thousands of pounds worth of destruction.
The violence took a more severe turn on Monday night when a Gujarati-origin man was stabbed on Ealing Road and rushed to the Accident and Emergency department. This incident has heightened fears among the Indian community, with many calling for immediate action to ensure safety.
Official Statements and Calls for Action
A Brent Council spokesperson responded to the situation, stating, “Any violent or targeted intimidation of local businesses is utterly unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Brent. We encourage anyone with information or footage to come forward to the police without delay.” This statement emphasizes the council's stance against such violence but also highlights the need for community cooperation in addressing these crimes.
The repeated attacks have left Indian-origin business owners in Wembley feeling vulnerable and targeted, with many questioning the adequacy of police protection and response times. As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and enhanced security measures to prevent further incidents.
