Sikh man says Slough attack in park was hate crime

Inderjit Singh said he was attacked by three boys and suffered two broken ribs

A Sikh man who was hospitalised after an assault has said he believes he was the victim of a hate crime.

Inderjit Singh went for a walk through Langley Memorial Park, in Slough, after work at around 19:00 GMT on 21 November.

The 58-year-old said three boys attacked him and pulled his beard, but did not take any of his belongings.

Thames Valley Police arrested a 14-year-old boy from Slough on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Describing the incident, Mr Singh, who has lived in the area for 30 years, said: "The first one he tried to grab my beard. I just pushed him away.

"Another boy tried to kick me. I just tried to defend the kick.

"Then the next moment, they pulled me back from my coat, I fell on the floor and they started kicking me."

He said his turban protected his head from any injuries, but he did suffer two broken ribs.

Witnesses called the police who took Mr Singh to hospital.

Mr Singh was attacked while walking through Langley Memorial Park on 21 November

He said the lack of any theft is one reason why he believes the attack was a hate crime.

"They tried to grab my beard and they didn't take anything from me," he said.

"I had £200 in my pocket with my wallet, all the cards, credit cards, debit cards in my wallet, my phone, they didn't take anything from me, that means that this is a hate crime.

"If they were after money they could take the money but they didn't take anything."

He said he is also now worried about his 80-year-old mother.

"This could happen to anybody," he said. "I think twice before go out now from home."

Police investigations are ongoing and officers would like to hear from anyone with information.

The arrested teenager has been released on bail.

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