VILE vandals have targeted a popular shopkeeper for a second time by painting racist slurs on the front of his business.

Ozzy Afzal discovered his Renfrew store had been targeted again by vandals yesterday - two weeks after the first attack.

The shopkeeper who now runs the family business, which is the Renfrew Mini Market on Renfield Street, has hit out those responsible.

The businessman, whose family have had the shop in the area for 25 years, told The Evening Times: "I am shocked and what happened has had an impact on my mood, my work and responsibility.

"I feel very much victimised by this ignorance and want to send a message out there that myself and my family are part of this tight knitted community, we treat people good and provide a very friendly service, and we have done for over two decades."

The Gazette:

The family have contacted Police Scotland who were due to take a statement regarding the latest incident as the Evening Times went to press.

Ozzy said: "Awareness needs to be created so that people with a lack of knowledge can understand that this is wrong and innocent people are only suffering due to this.

"It's an example of Islamophobia, I suggest if people really have so much hate, then please study and look around at how many responsible Muslim people they will find in prominent jobs, providing a wide range of essential services.

"We have nothing in common with those who create fear in society by targeting innocent people with their barbarism. I urge people to please love one another and help one another. I have always felt naturally a part of Scottish society and Renfrew. I thank everyone who has showed their support, who have come in to show me love."

His brother Rehman also shared an image of the vandalism on the social media website Facebook to raise awareness of what happened.

He said: "It is very upsetting when one goes to conduct business to see this on the face of their livelihood.

"We are part of Scottish society, hard working and fully integrated as a family. Please let's come together to stop this hate."