Attacks shock towns

Published 8 Jul 2010 09:55

TWO allegedly racist attacks have brought shame on a Renfrewshire town and village.

Renfrew and Bridge of Weir have been left reeling after it was claimed two men were viciously assaulted in violent street attacks.

Two youths have been charged with attempted murder after allegedly chasing and beating an Asian man in Thomson Street, just off Porterfield Road, in Renfrew on Friday night.

It is believed he was walking past a gang of teenagers at 11.15pm when they allegedly pounced, kicking him and stamping on his head several times, knocking him unconscious before running off.

Horrified neighbours heard the commotion and called the emergency services.

Paramedics rushed the 36-year-old man to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow where he is to be in a serious condition.

Dylan Cherrie, 16, of Victoria Drive East, in Renfrew, and a co-accused who is too young to be named, from Port Glasgow, in Inverclyde, appeared in Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday.

Sheriff Colin Pettigrew remanded Cherrie in custody and released the younger boy on bail with curfew conditions.

In a separate incident another gang of youths seriously injured a Moroccan man after he bumped into one of the group on the Main Street in Bridge of Weir.

The hate-filled yobs struck between 1am and 1.30am on Sunday June 20 outside the Weir Pub.

The 42-year-old was grabbed and had his arms and legs restrained as he was repeatedly kicked on the body.

The victim, who is from Kilmacolm, did not need hospital treatment but suffered severe bruising and grazes all over his body.

A witness has told officers that three women tried to intervene and help the man but were unable to stop the gang from carrying out the brutal racist beating.

Police are now urging the women to come forward as they may be able to help identify those responsible.

A police spokesperson said: "The mere fact that a large group of youths assaulted one innocent member of the public, because he dared to bump into them, highlights the seriousness of this incident."

Bridge of Weir councillor Mike Holmes is shocked by this attack.

He said: "I am saddened to hear of a racist incident in Bridge of Weir.

"Bridge of Weir residents are generally very welcoming and it's very concerning to hear of such an assault."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Johnstone police station on 01505 404000.

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This article appeared in The Gazette 07 Jul 10

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