Family's hell at hands of racists

6:38pm Sunday 30th March 2008

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By Helen Korn »

A FATHER has told of his family's three years of hell at the hands of racists.

The dad spoke out after two boys admitted carrying out a number of racially-motivated attacks on the man's home in New Way, Whitworth.

Police said one of the boys, 13, told them he had targeted the family on up to five occasions by throwing eggs at their home because he had a problem with Muslims.

But officers decided to give him a final warning caution and the other boy a first warning, rather than bring any criminal charges.

They are trying to set up a face-to-face meeting between the 13-year-old boy and the father. He will also be referred to youth services to help.

But the father said he was disappointed by this outcome and claimed police had failed them.

He said: "I feel completely aggrieved with the situation. It's been going on for three years now and we've even put our house up for sale.

"In the past our car and house windows have been broken and bacon slices were put on our door handle.

"It is mind boggling. My colour is different and I can think of no other reason that that of why I am being targetted.

"We do not feel safe in our home."

Police said that PCSO Nick Stratton, who had been patrolling Whitworth in plain clothes, caught the boys in the act early on Wednesday afternoon.

They were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and questionned.

Det Ins Graham Gallagher of the Hate Crime Unit at Burnley police said: "I believe a meeting is being set up between the offender and the victim."

Crime prevention officer Phil Buck said that the 13-year-old boy had told officers he carried out the attacks because he had a problem with Muslims.

He said: "Instances of this natures will not be tolerated and as polive we take it very seriously. We need to stamp out this kind of behaviour."

Under the cautions, the offenders are spared the court prosecution process on condition they compensate their victim in a way agreed by all parties.

Or they agree to attend a session that addresses some of the factors that led to their offending in the first place, for example a drugs or alcohol problem.

The cautions are only used for minor offences such as criminal damage, theft, and certain drugs offences.