West Yorkshire Police are seeking witnesses after two men of Indian heritage were injured in a suspected racially aggravated assault on Saturday night, 17 October, outside Ossett Town Hall in Wakefield, northern England.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, 20 October, a man leaving the Dusseva and Bathukamma festivities was verbally abused before being struck on the back of the head, possibly with a bottle, sustaining a head injury. A second attendee suffered a similar blow to the head, was punched and fell to the floor, injuring his face.
Community groups confirmed that Hindu families had gathered at the hall to mark the two autumn festivals when a group of youths began behaving in a threatening and confrontational manner outside the venue. Organisers said the disturbance escalated as some of the youths rode Sur‑Rons and e‑bikes around the premises.
Inspector Andrew Dickinson of the Wakefield West Neighbourhood Policing Team said the police are treating the assaults seriously and have appealed for anyone who saw the masked youths to come forward. He added that everyone has the right to attend community events safely and without fear.
The event organisers suspect the attack may have been intended to intimidate Hindu participants. While a definitive motive has not been established, they have urged investigators to consider whether a hate‑related or discriminatory element is present alongside any other offences.
The incident follows the recent release of UK Home Office hate‑crime statistics, which show a 15 per cent rise in anti‑Hindu attacks for 2025‑26, matching the increase recorded for anti‑Muslim offences and exceeding the 10 per cent growth in anti‑Jewish incidents. The rise underscores growing concerns within minority communities across the United Kingdom.
Police continue to canvass the area for information and have asked anyone who observed the youths on Sur‑Rons or e‑bikes near Ossett Town Hall that evening to contact West Yorkshire Police.
Image: siasat.com
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf