TWO HELD IN HATE CRIME POLICE PROBE
Two men arrested over hate crimes
TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault by police investigating reports of hate crimes in Leek on Saturday.
The incidents reportedly took place at a number of locations in the town centre.
Police are investigating reports that that racist and abusive language had been directed at two men.
A 23-year-old and 29-year-old man were arrested by police and were in custody as inquiries continue.
Chief Inspector Mark Thorley said: “The targeting of anyone for abuse - especially of a racist nature - is unacceptable. We will not tolerate hate crimes on any level and all reports will be thoroughly investigated.
“This type of incident is rare in the area, and is not something that I am aware of being reported in Leek or across the Moorlands previously.
“The majority of people who ventured to pubs and bars in our town centres on Saturday did so responsibly, but, as ever, there was a minority whose actions unfortunately overshadowed the good behaviour of others.”
The victim was met with chants of ‘white lives matter’ as he walked into the Green Dragon in Leek.
After texting his mum about the incident, his dad and brother arrived a short time later and were also reportedly verbally assaulted and threatened. The family, who live in Leek, then decided to leave to avoid a confrontation.
Speaking on behalf of Leek Town Council, Councillor Roy Molson, also Chair of Leek Crime Prevention Panel, said: “This is unacceptable and the council is working with the police and other agencies to turn this attitude around. The expressions of support towards the family of the young man who was abused have been quite encouraging.
“It is quite obvious that this is not a common viewpoint held in Leek and hopefully with the right intervention, this will be an isolated incident.”
The man’s mother shared a Facebook post about what happened with hundreds of people adding comments to show their support.
In it she explained her son no longer feels safe in his home town and is glad to be returning to university in Manchester this week.
She wrote that he had gone into town with his mates when they were confronted as they walked into the Green Man by a group shouting ‘white lives matter.’
She said: “I am so upset. My son is glad to be going back to university on Monday, to leave Leek behind as he doesn’t get this treatment in Manchester.
“It upsets me so much to know my son feels safer outside of his home town because his skin colour is not white. Educate your children, tell them this is not acceptable.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We wholeheartedly apologise to the customer who was racially abused as he entered our pub.
“We can confirm that the abuse directed at him came from a customer who had previously been removed from the pub for poor behaviour. We utterly condemn racist behaviour.”
Leek Town Mayor, Stephen Wales, said: “We should all be unequivocal in supporting interventions that challenge racist behaviours. It is also clear the police and the relevant authorities will review and act on the evidence.
“It is important that there is no doubt in this town that this council represents the absolute majority in condemning the behaviours of a minority reported this weekend.”
The incidents came as police received 449 calls to 999 between 7pm on Saturday and 4am on Sunday after drunken trouble flared.
This was nearly double a typical Saturday in July with 228 calls.
Most calls related to drink-related disorders and anti-social behaviour.