The Metropolitan Police have launched a manhunt for an individual suspected of a hate crime targeting a pensioner at a convenience store on the Isle of Dogs. The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:50 pm on November 3 last year at Garden’s Food and Wine on Manchester Road, saw a man in his 60s knocked to the ground and subjected to an assault.
According to reports, the victim sustained minor injuries and was subsequently treated at a local hospital. A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed that they are treating the attack as racially motivated, heightening the severity of the incident.
Authorities have been analyzing CCTV footage recovered from the shop, leading them to share an image of a man they believe could assist in their investigation. Described as wearing a black t-shirt or sweatshirt, the individual in question sports distinct features including a thick moustache and beard, alongside thick, black eyebrows.
PC Sean Wakem, part of the local policing team in Tower Hamlets, condemned the attack, labeling it as unprovoked and emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach towards such behavior. This was an unprovoked attack which has left the victim incredibly shaken,” PC Wakem stated. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior, and I’d ask anyone who recognizes the man in the image to speak to us immediately.
In a bid to gather more information and identify the suspect, members of the public are urged to come forward. They can reach out to the police by calling 101 and quoting CAD 5159/04Nov. Alternatively, individuals can share information anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers by dialing 0800 555 111.