UK: Somali community speak out about 'appalling' attacks in Shepherd's Bush

UNDER-ATTACK Somali community members and the police are vowing to work together to crack down increased levels of violence.

The outskirts of Shepherd's Bush, between the A40 and Old Oak Common Lane, has become a hot-bed for racial bullying and violence on Somalians.

Many incidents go unreported with victims too scared to speak out about the attacks.

One woman was hit in the belly with a brick and witnessed her 13-year-old child beaten in front of her and was too afraid to report either incident.

A man was kicked in the face while in a park and his children were bullied on the way to and from school.

One youngster also had his bike stolen after he pushed from it in the street.

Sahel Yusuf Ali, Somali community leader, said: "The Somali community between the A40 and Old Oak Common Lane are living in the most appalling conditions with families and their children subjected to organised attacks which are carried out regularly by youth gangs.

"Some of the victims of these vicious attacks are the most vulnerable amongst us, women and their children. The horrific stories of physical and verbal abuse and the bad experiences faced by these poor mothers, their children and others from this community are beyond belief.

"The violence Somalis who live in this troubled part of our relatively peaceful borough faced and still continue to face encompasses not only physical attacks but there is also verbal abuse directed at them such as yelling, screaming and name-calling like 'pirate' and 'bomber'."

An emergency meeting was held at East Acton Community Centre on May 19 between members of the public and the police in a bid to solve the problem.

Sergeant Alison Jeffery, of College Park and Old Oak Safer Neighbourhood Team, and detective

sergeant Jayme Johnson, of the Community Safety Unit, urged victims to come forward and vowed to work with them.

DS Johnson told the Chronicle the meeting was a success and said racial attacks are not rife in the borough.

He said: "We acknowlegde there is a problem in the area but we need the public to come forward with information so we can tackle the problem and we can protect people's identity.

"Once we have the intelligence we can look at anti-social behaviour orders or eviction notices because this type of behaviour is clearly unacceptable.

"These types of incidents are the exception in H&F and it is not a common problem for us. It seems to be a certain group of youngsters who live in the area or come in from outside and we are working to find out who they are."

Mr Ali said: "The police were fantastic and we are very encouraged. The Somali community is known as the silent community but that needs to change. We need to speak out and stop these terrible things happening to us."

Source: www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk