shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > World News > Article > Hate crime Indian origin family targeted in UK aron attack

Hate crime: Indian-origin family targeted in UK aron attack

Updated on: 19 September,2018 07:59 PM IST  |  London
IANS |

CCTV footage of the area later showed four youths, dressed in hoodies, setting fire on the hedges outside the Karlekars' home

Hate crime: Indian-origin family targeted in UK aron attack

Representational Image

An Indian-origin family was forced to flee their home in the UK after it was targeted in an arson attack which the police on Wednesday treated as a "hate crime".


Mayour Karlekar, 43, said his wife and two kids suffered a "near death experience" when they woke up to a fire roaring outside the front door of their house in southeast London's Borkwood Park area of Orpington during the weekend, News Shopper daily reported.


Karlekar said they were woken up by the neighbours who spotted the flames outside their home early on Sunday, the report said.


"I heard some noise under my bedroom window but ignored it. I thought... some folks must be having drinks and partying. But 20 minutes later I heard bells ringing and people were hammering my door to wake us up. I looked at the porch and saw our hedges on fire," he told News Shopper.

He said the next few minutes were the scariest he had ever experienced as the hedge fire spread perilously close to his son's window.

CCTV footage of the area later showed four youths, dressed in hoodies, setting fire on the hedges outside the Karlekars' home.

"The Metropolitan Police is investigating this as a hate crime. It is being dealt with as a case of arson and criminal damage. No arrests have been made," a spokesperson said.

Recalling the incident, Karlekar said: "Those three or four minutes of getting my family out, we were in complete shock. I didn't even know what to do."

Karlekar, who been a UK resident for 20 years, said he had never endured such an attack. "I go out of my way to help people. I have no idea why they would target us. It is impossible for me to believe in this nice area."

Two cars and parts of the house were damaged by the fire. He said those responsible didn't care about his family and described it as a "malicious and intent attack".

No arrests have been made.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Except for the change in the headline, the story has been provided "AS-IS," "AS AVAILABLE, without any verification or editing from our side. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK