Teen arrested after Leeds shopkeeper assaulted and racially abused for social distancing complaint

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after a Leeds shopkeeper was assaulted and racially abused following a social distancing complaint.
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It happened at Stanningley Off-Licence on Bradford Road, Stanningley, at about 7pm yesterday.

After telling a group of youths to follow social distancing rules, the 50-year-old owner was assaulted and received minor injuries to his hand.

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He was racially abused and the shop was vandalised in the incident.

The Stanningley shopkeeper was injured in the attackThe Stanningley shopkeeper was injured in the attack
The Stanningley shopkeeper was injured in the attack

The owner's daughter, Suman Gill, said: "It started after my dad told them to social distance.

"They spat in his face and threatened him with knives, hurt his hand and made racist comments to him.

"There are roadworks going on outside so they used this to throw bricks and stones."

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Police searched the area following the attack and stopped a number of youths.

The shop was vandalised in the incidentThe shop was vandalised in the incident
The shop was vandalised in the incident

A 15-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated assault, theft from shop and possession of an offensive weapon.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "At 7.03pm yesterday police were called to a report of youths involved in a disturbance at Stanningley Off-Licence, in Bradford Road, Stanningley.

"Officers attended and found the male shopkeeper had been racially abused and assaulted and received minor injuries. Damage had also been caused to the door.

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"Officers searched the area and stopped a number of youths in the vicinity.

"A 15-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated assault, theft from shop and possession of an offensive weapon.

"He was later released under investigation and enquiries are ongoing."

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