Traders on one of West London‘s busiest Asian shopping streets say they are living in fear after a string of violent raids left their premises wrecked, their staff too frightened to return to work, and no arrests made by police.
Several businesses on Ealing Road in Wembley were targeted by groups of masked young men earlier this month, with footage circulating online showing individuals storming the interiors and causing widespread damage. Among those hit were Suraj Sweet Mart, Panesar Food and Wine and the Manek Chowk Indian restaurant.
The owner of Manek Chowk, speaking anonymously, said his staff had objects thrown at them before the group systematically destroyed the restaurant. He said he had been forced to close and could not reopen because no member of his team felt safe enough to come back. He said he had not slept properly in three days, had lost customers and revenue, and described the police response as useless.
“There is no safety, there is no law and order,” he said.
Officers were called to the restaurant shortly before 9pm on 5 March following reports of masked males entering the premises and causing extensive damage. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incidents and said investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances and whether the attacks were connected. No arrests have been made.
Some traders and local residents have raised concerns that the raids may be deliberately targeting Hindu-owned businesses. The Met said its inquiries indicated some of the affected premises were Hindu-owned while others were not.
Chief Inspector Yu Zhang, who leads policing in the area, said additional patrols had been deployed and that officers were working with community partners including local faith venues to help residents and business owners feel safer. Brent Council said the incidents were deeply concerning and that any violent or targeted intimidation of local businesses was utterly unacceptable.
Businesses in the area have begun closing earlier than usual in an effort to avoid further incidents while police continue their inquiries.
