Essex Police is investigating the targeting of a Muslim family in Epping after they faced racist abuse and threats from a motorcyclist on the high street.
Wishing to remain anonymous, one of the family members described the perpetrator singled them out on the street, perceiving that one of their young family members had gotten too close to their motorcycle, which was stationary on the high street.
That family member, who wears the hijab, described to our Casework Team how the man yelled, “This is an expensive bike, not your f******* prayer mat. You f****** Muslims, go back to your country”.
He continued to shout at the family, “You f****** immigrants,” and other hateful comments, before wildly swinging his motorcycle helmet at them, including at some of the young children present, adding that he intimidated and scared them by revving his motorcycle engine.
The family were able to call the police and safely photograph and film the perpetrator – evidence which is now with the police, who are also reviewing CCTV footage from the high street.
Tell MAMA continues to provide additional support to them, including a referral to our counselling service, as the traumatic incident has meant that one of the family members now fears walking the high street alone.
She described the perpetrator as a white male in his mid-to-late forties or early fifties, confirming that the racist abuse began around 5:30 pm GMT on May 14.
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