Father-of-four punched and kicked in 'lawless' Sussex village

Residents of Barnham sent cards and messages of support following the latest night of violence.

The West Sussex village was branded lawless by frustrated locals. Incidents of violence and shoplifting became so frequent that local businesses got together to hire private security.

The latest video shows an unprovoked attack on the family-run Passage to India restaurant.

A front window was smashed after restaurateur Muhammed Islam, 64, was attacked by a group of youths who tried to bundle their way in.

Read more: Fourteen youths arrested in operation to stop rampant crime spree in village

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

"It's really touching," Mr Islam said.

Muhammed Islam, from Barnham, with cards from local well-wishers after the attack (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)"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."

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

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

"The first girl came in and said she was using the toilet and there was nothing anybody could do about it," he said.

"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."

The broken glass at the Passage to India restaurant in Barnham (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)Mr Islam and staff 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 incident.

"They tried to break all the windows," Mr Islam said. "I received quite a few punches and kicks."

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.

Muhammed Islam outside his Passage to India restaurant in Barnham (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)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," Mr Islam said.

A public meeting in the village hall with more than 200 locals heard how felt 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.

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.

Mr Islam added: "The politicians need to take this seriously.

"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."

Yesterday, in Lancing, Keir Starmer pledged to tackle antisocial behaviour in his first major speech of the general election campaign.

Sussex Police said they 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 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.”