‘I thought my brother might be dead’

Mohammed was beaten and kicked by up to 50 thugs while he lay on the ground. He has extensive bruising over his entire body.

Mohammed’s face is fractured in four places and he will need surgery.

He spoke to Socialist Worker about the attack:

“Suddenly people were running at us. A huge man came towards me swearing and shouting. The sheer number of them was terrifying.

“I saw my brother being pushed and punched. Then a whole group ran at us and I was punched to the ground.

“I couldn’t get up—they kept kicking and punching me. I tried to cover my face.

“I heard people shouting at them to stop. Some people were trying to get between them and me.

“I couldn’t see my brother.

“A man pulled me up, walked me across the road and pushed me onto a bus. I had blood all over me. People came to help me and called 999. I got off the bus and made my way home.

“I was dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out. I kept thinking my brother might be dead.

“People in the street offered me water and help. I will never forget their kindness.

“A woman stopped on her bicycle and then went off to try and find my brother—she didn’t even think about her safety.

“The EDL says it is non‑violent and non-racist. But I was attacked because my skin is brown.

“I look Asian, so people think I am Muslim—and I am. But I could have been Sikh or Christian. It’s racism. There is no other way to describe it.

“As frightened as I am, I want people to understand the threat of the EDL.

“We have to challenge them.”