Police Hunt Man Over Brutal Racial Attack in Dagenham
Detectives have released an image of a man they want to question after a shocking racially motivated assault left a victim seriously injured in Dagenham.
Victim Attacked After Takeaway Run
The attack happened at 9.28pm on Sunday, July 21, 2019, in Bragg Close, Dagenham. A black man in his 30s had just returned to his car after grabbing food from a nearby takeaway.
As he started to drive off with his windows down, two white men in a dark car began hurling racial abuse. When the victim confronted them, around 20 more white males appeared on foot, surrounding him.
The gang then viciously kicked and punched the man as he lay defenseless. One attacker slashed his face with what is suspected to be a knife.
Victim Escapes, But Car Vandalised and Items Stolen
Despite his injuries, the victim managed to flee and call 999. Meanwhile, the assailants targeted his car — smashing it into a shop shutter and stealing a laptop and tablet from inside.
The group is believed to have been drinking at the nearby Roundhouse pub on Lodge Avenue before the attack.
One Year On – Police Release Suspect’s Image
After a year of dead-end leads, detectives have issued a photo of a man they urgently want to speak to. He is described as a white male, aged 20-30, chubby build, around 5ft 6in to 5ft 7in tall.
“This was a violent, unprovoked, racially motivated attack on the victim, which has left him with physical and emotional scars,” said Detective Constable Adelaide Halliday of East Area CID.
“We urge anyone who recognises this man or knows anything about the incident or those drinking in the Roundhouse pub that night to come forward. If you prefer not to speak directly to police, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting CAD 8064/21JUL2019.
