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

SHOCKING footage shows a group of teenagers attacking a restaurant owner in a village where locals have been forced to hire private security.

Horrified locals in Barnham, West Sussex, branded their town lawless after another violent video went viral.

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

Restaurant owner Muhammed ‘Mo’ Islam, 64, was attacked by a group of youths who tried to bundle their way in before smashing a window.

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

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

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

“It’s really touching,” Mr 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 got together to hire private security.

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

“She was saying 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 they are not public toilets.

“That’s when I was punched.”

Mr Islam and staff claimed they managed to get the group out of the restaurant and held the door closed as they tried to smash the windows.

Neighbours, hearing the noise, filmed the shocking incident.

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

I’ve lived here for 36 years and we’ve never had anything like this happen before.”

Restaurant owner Muhammed ‘Mo’ Islam

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

“We’ve been part of this community for 36 years.

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

“I’m humbled by the reaction, how the local people have taken it and how they have helped us.

“I’m feeling much better now with the reaction from the locals I serve.

“They have stood by me, it’s really fantastic,” Mr Islam said.

One card sent to the restaurant reads: “The community stands with you.”

“Life is all about good days and bad days, but it’s really touching,” the business owner said.

A public meeting in the village hall with more than 200 locals heard how feel they are hostages to feral youths.

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

Sussex police were granted a dispersal order 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 plagued with feral youth who exploit the south coast train network.

The community came together as Sir Keir Starmer pledged to tackle antisocial behaviour.

A week after the attack, the Labour leader made tackling antisocial behaviour one his six pledges at a rally in nearby Lancing.

Mr Islam said: “The politicians need to take this seriously.

“I’m aware of what’s been going on in Barnham and I’m hopeful, but this is a serious issue.

“It’s reached a limit in Barnham now.

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

Sussex Police said they launched an investigation following the assault on Sunday, May 19 and appealed for witnesses.

A 14-year-old girl and 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, Chichester and Arun District Commander, said: “This is an unacceptable and unprovoked attack.

“Those who go to work should not have to tolerate this behaviour and we are taking this report extremely seriously.

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

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

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