Video reveals unprovoked attack on restaurant owner by teenage gang in latest night of violence

By Olivia Christie

5:55 p.m. on May 27, 2024, updated at 8:06 p.m. on May 27, 2024

• Residents of Barnham, West Sussex, say they are afraid to leave their homes

Shocking footage shows the moment a group of wild teenagers carry out an unprovoked attack on a restaurant in a village gripped by a growing crime wave.

Residents of Barnham, West Sussex, have said they are afraid to leave their homes as the village is taken hostage by a group of unruly youths.

Incidents of violence and shoplifting have become so common in Barnham that local businesses have even hired private security services to protect themselves.

Family restaurant Passage to India was targeted on May 19 and the business's windows were smashed, it has been revealed.

Owner Muhammed Islam, 64, said he was attacked by a group of youths when he tried to tell them that the restaurant's toilets were only for paying customers.

He reportedly received several punches and kicks to the head and shoulders.

After the attack, residents sent cards and flowers to the restaurant with messages of support.

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Mr Islam said: “I have lived here for 36 years and we have run the restaurant for 35 years.

“We’ve never seen anything like this before.”

He continued: “The first girl came in and said she was going to the toilet and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

“She was like, '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 are not public toilets.

“That’s when I got punched.”

Mr. Islam and his team managed to force the group out of the restaurant and held the door closed while the looters tried to break the windows.

Neighbors who heard the noise filmed the incident.

Mr. Islam said of his attackers: “They tried to break all the windows,” Mr. Islam said.

“I got punched and kicked quite a bit.

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

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

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

“I am touched by the response, by the way the local people have received it and by the way they have helped us.

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“I feel much better now because of the response from the residents I serve.

“They stayed by my side, it’s really fantastic.”

A card sent to the restaurant read: “The community stands with you. »

“Life has good days and bad days, but it's really touching,” Mr. Islam said.

The attack comes after a public meeting held in the village village hall, during which residents declared that they felt like they had become hostages of the young savages.

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

Sussex Police obtained a dispersal order after video of the attack went viral.

A local trader, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said the village is plagued by wild youths who exploit the south coast rail network.

And Mr Islam has now insisted: “Politicians must take this seriously.

“I am aware of what is happening at Barnham and I am hopeful, but it is a serious problem.” This is now a boundary in Barnham.

“We are now seeing a lot more activity from the police, but if politicians take this seriously then there is a way to find a solution.”

Sussex Police said they had launched an investigation following the assault 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 investigation.

Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones, Chichester and Arun District Commander, said: “This was an unacceptable and unprovoked attack.

“Those who go to work should not have to tolerate this behavior and we take this report extremely seriously.

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