Youth club closed after racist attack (From Blackburn Citizen)

Youth club closed after racist attack

5:20pm Friday 2nd November 2007

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A WEEKLY youth club has been cancelled following a racially aggravated assault on a council worker.

Victim Javed Iqbal was racially abused by a gang of white teenagers who struck him in the head with a plant pot at a youth club meeting in Accrington Road Community Centre, Blackburn.

The Wednesday night club regularly attracts 50 to 60 youngsters from the local area but Blackburn with Darwen Council has cancelled the club for the foreseeable future pending police enquiries.

But a spokesman for Blackburn police confirmed they were investigating a case of racially aggravated assault on Mr Iqbal that took place at the centre on Wednesday, October 24.

Youth worker Mr Iqbal, 48, of Daisyfield, Blackburn, has been involved with the youth club for six years He said: "A group young men, aged between 13 and18, came to the centre and brought a dog inside with them and it was running around. Everyone was shocked so I tried to get them out. The dog went out but about six of the lads remained.

"I went to get someone else to help me get them out and as I headed to the main hall they started throwing cushions and then one of the plant pots, which struck me on the head.

"I went to hospital that night for a check-up but was released later on.

"The doctor has told me I was lucky because I could have suffered brain injuries, but my eyesight is still suffering because of it.

"This group was stopped from coming in a few weeks ago.

"I don't know who they are but on this night they were swearing at us and racially abusing us.

"We get a lot of local children there and it is good for them and they integrate well with each other. The actions of this gang has affected things for everybody."

Mr Iqbal said the youngsters attending the group consisted of 60 per cent white and around 40 per cent Asian and he said they mixed together well.

The community centre is run by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Steve Rigby, director of culture leisure and sport, said: "The youth worker concerned is presently off work sick following this assault. We wish him a speedy recovery. It is not appropriate to comment at this time."

A police spokesman confirmed they were investigating the incident and investigations were on going.

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