Four people have been arrested after an attack on three Filipino crew members from a cargo ship in Avonmouth. One victim remains in critical condition, a second has been discharged from hospital and a third suffered minor injuries. Avon and Somerset Police are treating the incident as a suspected hate crime after reports of racist language and have involved Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI) to support the victims. Authorities say they believe the incident to be isolated and are appealing for witnesses.
Four Arrested After Alleged Racial Attack On Cargo Ship Crew In Avonmouth
Forensic and police teams are still at the scene in Avonmouth [BBC]
Avon and Somerset Police have arrested four people after an attack on three crew members from a cargo ship in Avonmouth that is being treated as a suspected hate crime.
Emergency services were called to Richmond Terrace, close to Avonmouth Docks, at about 20:30 BST on Friday. Officers detained two men aged 19 and 45 and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder; a 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All four remain in custody while inquiries continue.
Victims and Injuries
Superintendent Deepak Kenth confirmed that all three victims are Filipino nationals. One man was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a critical condition. A second crew member who required treatment has since been discharged, and a third sustained minor injuries.
Emergency services were called to Richmond Terrace at about 20:30 BST [BBC]
Police Response
Police say there was a "suggestion racist language was directed towards at least one of the victims during the attack," and so the incident is being treated as a suspected hate crime pending further information. Authorities have also sought to dispel online speculation that the injuries were caused by a knife or similar weapon, saying that is not believed to be the case.
Supt Deepak Kenth: "While the full circumstances remain unconfirmed and under investigation, based on our current understanding we believe this to be an isolated incident and there to be no wider risk to public safety."
The force has contacted Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI) to help provide support to the victims. Police are appealing for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
How to help: Witnesses or anyone with relevant footage are asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police, quoting the incident details for Richmond Terrace at about 20:30 BST.
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