Croydon asylum seeker attack: Crowdfunding page raises thousands for victim within days

Chloe Chaplain3 April 2017
WEST END FINAL

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A fundraising page set up for the 17-year-old asylum seeker who was savagely beaten as he waited for a bus in Croydon has topped its £3,500 target in just two days.

The Kurdish-Iranian teenager was left hospitalised after sustaining a fractured skull and a blood clot on his brain in the horrific attack on Friday night.

Five people have since been charged in connection with the attack.

On Saturday a Crowdfunding page was set up to help the boy “overcome this horrible ordeal and show that he is loved and welcome here in the UK”.

Police want to trace these two men after the attack in Croydon

The page had raised more than £4,500 by Monday morning with hundreds of well-wishers donating and leaving supportive messages.

The creators of the page – known only as B. Watson and Rob – wrote: “Your small act of kindness will undoubtedly make a big difference to his life at this critical time.

“All proceeds will be given directly to this young man to help him rebuild the life he deserves.

Fundraising: The page had topped £4k by Monday morning

“All of us have an opportunity to make a difference for this young man. Please donate and share far and wide.”

The teenager is believed to have been waiting at a bus stop with friends outside The Goat Pub at around 11.40pm on Friday when the attack took place.

Detective Inspector Gary Castle, from Croydon CID, said: "We now know that a large number of people, approximately 20, were involved in the attack on the victim.

Investigation: Police search the bushes for evidence
London Live

"A number of them approached the victim as he waited at a bus stop with two friends outside The Goat public house in the Shrublands.

"It is understood that the suspects asked the victim where he was from and when they established that he was an asylum seeker they chased him and launched a brutal attack.

"He sustained serious head and facial injuries as a result of this attack, which included repeated blows to the head by a large group of attackers.

“A number of people came to the aid of the victim as he lay unconscious and injured following the assault.

"Two friends of the victim managed to escape the attackers and suffered only minor injuries."

Neighbours and witnesses described how a large group of people surrounded the teen and watched the brutal assault as he lay helpless on the ground.

On Monday police renewed their appeal for fresh information and released images of people wanted in connection with the attack.

Bus stop: The incident is being treated as a hate crime
London Live

Messages on the Crowdfunding page described the attack as “hideous” and people expressed solidarity with the victim on behalf of Londoners.

One person wrote: “This is a hideous attack and we must let this young man know it is not typical of how we feel about people seeking help and refuge.”

Another donor posted: “I want this young man to know that the majority of people in London are sorry that this has happened to him and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

Another added “please know you are wanted in this world” and “I hope you gain some comfort in knowing how much other people care”.

Anyone with information about the attack should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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