PCC Clare Moody’s statement on racially aggravated attack on child in Bristol
I am aware police are investigating an appalling racially aggravated attack on a nine-year old girl in north Bristol.
Some of you may have seen media reports stating, on September 2nd, a child was shot with an air pellet gun and the offender used a racial slur.
This is a very worrying incident. People have contacted me and their local police teams to say they are concerned, especially for black and minoritised people who fear they may be targeted.
This is against a backdrop of national demonstrations led by far-right activists, and the language and rhetoric being used by some of the groups involved, it is understandable that your fears and concerns for the safety of you and your family may be understandably heightened.
People are also concerned that British and English flags are being misused to intimidate others.
I want to reassure you that Chief Constable Sarah Crew and I taking this very seriously and recognise the impact of this on individuals as well as wider communities.
We want to say publicly, in no uncertain terms, that hate-crime and racism will not be tolerated in our communities.
Where hate crime is reported, the police will investigate. We must deal robustly with perpetrators to make it clear that we are united and inclusive in Avon and Somerset.
I have sought assurance from Chief Constable Crew about the police response to this incident.
I have been told that her officers are:
- Securing support for the young victim
- Doing house-to-house and CCTV enquiries to try to identify the perpetrator and locate potential witnesses
- Doing extra reassurance patrols
I am aware of concerns raised by people on social media about why communities were not informed of this incident sooner. I cannot comment on the detail of operational decisions, but I will be raising those questions with Chief Constable Crew on your behalf and seeking answers.
The investigation is ongoing, and the victim and her family have been referred to Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) for support. SARI is one of the commissioned services that I fund to support victims of crime in Avon and Somerset. I would ask for people to respect the family’s privacy at this time.
The police are still appealing for any witnesses and those with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage of the incident, or the moments leading up to it immediately afterwards, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 5225247677, or complete an online appeals form.
If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225247677, or complete our online appeals form.
You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.
No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.
I am here to listen, if you want to contact me please email pcc@avonandsomerset.police.uk