Important information re: Attack on Church Lane

As many of you may have learnt, a retired care worker was viciously attacked on Church Lane on Monday 31st August. We are writing this letter to make you aware of this incident, let you know what we have been doing on your behalf, and provide information on how you can assist the local Police with their enquiries.

The attack

The attack occurred just before 10pm on 31st August – the Bank Holiday Monday – when a group of young boys and girls (aged between 12-15) approached and attacked a 67-year-old Asian man near the Idara-e-Jafferiya Mosque on Church Lane. The attack was so brutal, the gentleman had to be hospitalised – and we were deeply saddened to learn that he passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Along with the rest of our community, we have been profoundly shaken to learn of this senseless act of violence. Such an attack would be shocking in any part of the world, but it is even more so in a community like ours, where people get along so well.

The Police have already arrested and charged several youths in relation to this crime, and they appeared before a Magistrates court on Monday 7th September. Whilst this news is welcomed by us all, the attention of the Police is now focused on building a case ahead of the trial. You will find details of how you can help with their investigation at the end of this letter.

What we have done

Since the Police informed us of this incident we have been working together as your elected representatives to ensure that the local community is safe and supporting the Police in any way we can.

We have been meeting with residents, members of the local mosque, and the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, to discuss the immediate needs of the Graveney community. We have requested:

• A greater Police presence on our streets, in the short-term
• A varying of Police patrol times to suit local needs, especially in the evenings
• The use of a ‘Police caravan’ to ensure that Police Officers are nearby and accessible to local residents
• Mobile CCTV on local streets
• A review of all local street lighting, as a darkened street can be an intimidating place
• Arranged a meeting with Wandsworth Council’s Youth Team to discuss what can be done to prevent future incidents

We have already had success with these requests, and are confident the remainder will be put into place in the next few days.

Sadiq Khan MP and Cllr Rex Osborn attended the Idara-e-Jafferiya mosque, and have been working with the mosque’s leaders to calm fears and promote community cohesion. Sadiq also visited the hospital to meet the gentleman who was attacked, and his family, to pass on the thoughts and prayers of the whole local community.

A separate attack

Unfortunately, a second attack has been reported – a retired couple from the same neighbourhood were assaulted by a group of young boys in a seemingly similar manner. Though these two incidents may be unrelated, we are aware that there is the potential for some to try and divide our community. Sadiq visited this family over the weekend as well, to discuss the incident and pass on the good wishes of the local community. Although this second attack seems to have been less violent, it is just as serious – and just as shocking.

How you can help

Although four young boys have been charged in relation to this attack – three on a murder charge, and one with assault & conspiracy to commit Grievous Bodily Harm – it does not mean that the Police’s work is done. They are now building a case in preparation for the trials.

Your assistance is just as important now. If you know anything, or know someone who does, please get in touch - no information is too trivial. The police can sift though any information you have. You can contact detectives on 020 8721 4205 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can contact the Graveney Safer Neighbourhood on 020 8721 2071 or 07843 065 884. They are based in Tooting Police Station (251 Mitcham Road, Tooting, SW17 9JQ) and are the team dedicated to policing our local neighbourhood.

Whilst this is a very distressing time we want to reassure you that your Member of Parliament (Sadiq Khan MP) and local Councillors (Cllr Billi Randall, Cllr Andy Gibbons and Cllr Rex Osborn) are committed to working with the police and the local community to make Graveney as safe as possible.