Five people charged over Croydon asylum seeker attack
Written by News on 03/04/2017
Five people have been charged in connection with an attack on a teenage asylum seeker who was left unconscious on a street in Croydon, southeast London.
The 17-year-old and two friends were waiting at a bus stop in Shrublands Avenue, near The Goat pub, at about 11.40pm on Friday when they were approached by a group of people.
The teenager, who is Kurdish Iranian, was subjected to a "brutal" attack including "repeated blows to the head", police said, after the group discovered he was an asylum seeker.
He was left with a fractured skull and a blood clot on his brain but is said to be "starting to make a recovery" in hospital.
His two friends managed to escape with minor injuries.
Detectives investigating the assault believe between 20 to 30 people were involved.
Ten people have been arrested.
Five of these – Daryl Davis, 20, Danyelle Davis, 24, Barry Potts, 20, George Walder, 20, and Jack Walder, 24 – all from Croydon – have now been charged with violent disorder and are due to appear in court later.
George Walder is additionally charged with racially aggravated grievous bodily harm.
Three others remain in custody and two have been released.
Two men are still being sought in connection with the assault, while one woman handed herself in to police.
Officers also want to trace the occupants of a white hatchback vehicle with a black roof.
Police are continuing to appeal for information and for witnesses to the attack.
Theresa May has condemned the "absolutely despicable" attack and said she hoped people with information would contact police.
Croydon Central MP and Conservative minister Gavin Barwell described the attackers as "scum".
He said it was "an appalling crime" and "completely out of character" for Croydon.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also condemned the attack, while the Refugee Council said it was "disgusted".
:: Anyone with information should call Croydon CID on 020 3276 2234 or 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
(c) Sky News 2017: Five people charged over Croydon asylum seeker attack
