By Nick Griffiths Crime Reporter

Published at 11:41, Monday, 09 June 2008

CARLISLE police are hunting teenage yobs behind a string of racist attacks on an Indian takeaway.

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Officers warned they were taking “all steps necessary” to catch thugs who insulted staff and smashed windows at the Lazeez in Blackwell Road, Currock.

The family running the takeaway suffered trouble three years ago, when windows were broken, abuse hurled in the street and a delivery van vandalised.

But they had enjoyed a quieter time until trouble flared up in recent weeks.

Police believe a gang of about six boys and girls – aged in their early teens – is responsible for a stone being hurled through a window at the shop on Saturday May 31.

Stones have also been thrown at other windows and a group of youths racially abused staff the Friday before.

Mum-of-four Asma Khatun runs the takeaway with her husband Liakoth Khondoker.

She said: “It’s kids, they come in for chips and then they make noise, swear and abuse us.

“They are saying we don’t belong here in this country.

“It is really hard for us. We are trying to be nice to everybody and to serve the community.

“But when they call you names and swear at you, that is when it really hurts.

“It was really scary a couple of years ago and we thought we were over that. Now it’s started again.

“Why should I move away because of threats? I like Carlisle, I’ve been here five years and most people are friendly, it is not everybody doing this.”

Police, councillors in Currock and the Carlisle Against Racism group have condemned the attacks.

Abdul Harid, city councillor for Currock, said: “It is scary. These are people trying to make a living and this is unacceptable. It is a family business. They are contributing to the community.

“They are paying business rates, creating employment, jobs for two local people. They use local produce.

“They have had a lot of abuse from the youths. It is racism.”

Fellow Currock councillor Heather Bradley said: “This family have been here a long time, providing a much appreciated service and they are very, very hard working.

“Then they have to face this.”

PC Pete Forster, community officer for Currock, said: “Cumbria Constabulary will not tolerate racially aggravated offences or indeed any other hate crimes.

“We will take all steps necessary to prevent these types of crimes. The victims are an integral part of the community, they run a business that provides for the community and is used by the community.

“The staff and managers are trying to tolerate a certain amount of abuse.

“I’ve stated we shouldn’t allow a level of tolerance and every incident that is racially aggravated and racially motivated should be reported. When any minority groups are being targeted, we will put all the necessary resources in to make sure offenders are brought to justice.”

Phone police with information on 0845 3300247.

NGriffiths@cngroup.co.uk

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk