Thirteen now charged over Croydon asylum seeker attack
Written by News on 05/04/2017
Thirteen people have now been charged in connection with a ‘hate crime’ attack on an asylum seeker who was left unconscious in the street in Croydon.
They have all appeared in court following the attack on Reker Ahmed, who was left with a fractured skull and spine, as well as a blood clot on his brain.
It happened as the 17-year-old, who is Kurdish Iranian, and two friends were waiting at a bus stop in Shrublands Avenue, near The Goat pub, at about 11.40pm on Friday.
A crowd-funding site set up for the victim, who is recovering in hospital after being placed in an induced coma, has raised more than £30,000.
Police say Mr Ahmed was chased and subjected to a "brutal attack" after a group of about 20 people discovered he was an asylum seeker.
His friends managed to escape with minor injuries.
Five people appeared in court over the attack on Monday, followed by eight people on Tuesday.
Liam Neylen, 19, Ellie Leite, 19, Kyran Evans, 23, all from Croydon, and James Neves, 22, of Beckenham, southeast London, were among those in court on Tuesday, charged with violent disorder.
Ben Harman, 20, from Croydon, appeared accused of violent disorder and dangerous driving.
A 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, both from the Croydon area, were charged with violent disorder, while a third youth, a 17-year-old boy from the Croydon area, was charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent.
All eight were granted conditional bail, with the case sent for trial on 2 May.
On Monday, Daryl Davis, 20, his sister Danyelle Davis, 24, Barry Potts, 20, George Walder, 20, and his brother Jack Walder, 24, all from Croydon, appeared in court charged with violent disorder.
George Walder was also charged with racially aggravated grievous bodily harm and was remanded in custody, while the others were released on conditional bail.
They will appear in court on 1 May.
Theresa May has condemned the "absolutely despicable" attack and said she hoped people with information would contact police.
:: Anyone with information should call Croydon CID on 020 3276 2234 or 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
(c) Sky News 2017: Thirteen now charged over Croydon asylum seeker attack
