The family of a musician seriously injured in a racist attack has criticized the handling of the police investigation, saying there have been “numerous failures” in communication.
Boyan Choudhury, a founding member of indie band The Zutons, suffered serious head wounds after being attacked with a piece of wood, near his home in Wavertree. liverpoolon Saturday afternoon.
Speaking to Sky News earlier this week, He said he could have been killed But he had no confidence in the way the incident was being handled.
He shared graphic photos of his wounds on social media, which we have blurred.
As Mr Choudhury’s family say he is recovering from concussion symptoms at home, they have criticized Merseyside Police, claiming there has been a lack of support and poor communication since the incident.
His family said, “This was a violent, racially motivated attack that could have ended tragically.” “What happened next has only heightened our trauma – lapses in communication, lack of visible action and serious concerns over safety.
“We need answers, accountability and reassurance that this is being taken as seriously as it deserves.”
On Wednesday, the force told Sky News officers had arrested a 17-year-old male from the Mossley Hill area on suspicion of racially aggravated assault and actual bodily harm.
A spokesman said the arrest took place on Monday and the teenager has been released on conditional bail.
Earlier on Thursday, police made a second arrest – a 17-year-old male from Liverpool, who was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault and possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide by false inhalation.
He was taken to a police station in Merseyside, where he was detained.
However, Mr Chaudhary’s family says they were not officially informed until Thursday evening that arrests had been made.
The musician, who lives with his wife and five-year-old son, was initially told after the attack that he would receive an update within 14 days, his family say – they argue that the time frame shows the incident will not be dealt with “with the urgency and seriousness that it requires”.
“Furthermore, no immediate search of the surrounding area was conducted for the weapon used in the attack,” a family statement said.
“There was no police presence in the area after the incident. No patrol cars were dispatched to reassure residents or ensure the safety of the neighborhood that evening or in the days that followed.”
“The family believes the lack of action created an environment in which those involved were able to withdraw without consequences.”
Choudhary ji. Photo: Wilco Wilkinson Photography
Merseyside Police said in a statement that CCTV from the area has been analyzed and inquiries are ongoing to identify all suspects involved.
He also said officers met with Mr Choudhary and he was contacted by a hate-crime co-ordinator, whose role is to ensure victims get support.
Detective Superintendent Cath Cummings said: “This was a truly shocking incident. There is no place for hate crime in our communities, and I am pleased to say that we have made an arrest and the investigation is progressing well.”
“Since the attack, our officers have carried out extensive CCTV checks in the area, as well as speaking to potential witnesses and identified a number of suspects as part of our ongoing investigation.
“The weapon used during the attack was searched after the incident and investigation is ongoing.”
DS Cummings reiterated his call for anyone with information to come forward.
“I hope these actions reassure residents that we are committed to finding and bringing to justice all those responsible for this violent attack,” he said.
“Violence and hate crime will never be tolerated in our communities. We have specially trained officers who respond to reports of hate crime with compassion and sensitivity, ensuring every information is acted upon to bring criminals to justice.”
“I strongly encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime to come forward and contact us.”
