Newly-weds 'racially' abused in Centrale (From This Is Local London)

Newly-weds 'racially' abused in Centrale in Croydon

8:00am Friday 22nd June 2012 in Where I Live By Hannah Williamson

A mixed race newly-wed couple have vowed never return to Croydon after they were victim of a racist attack.

Kiran Strawson of Pakistani descent, and her husband Matt were walking through Centrale, when they were set upon by two Asian men just days after returning from their honeymoon.

The couple, who live in Clapham, had just finished visiting family and were walking hand in hand through the centre on June 10 when they first were verbally abused by two Asian men.

Mrs Strawson, 36, said: "We were walking up towards Next and I spotted a couple of Indian guys who were walking towards us with menacing faces and their fists clenched.

"As they walked past they were both swearing and one of them leant into Matt and said something about him being a white b******. We were holding hands I think that is what annoyed them."

The couple, who have been together for nearly two years,continued walking before turning around in disbelief.

Mrs Strawson added: "They walked towards us and as we turned away they started laying into Matt. They punched his faced, pushed him into a shop window and as he got up they punched him again.

"No one came to help us, but when security came and they ran off."

Mr Strawson, 37, was left with a 1in gash below his left eye that needed treatment, a bloody nose, bruising and swelling.

Mrs Strawson said: "For this to happen was just so upsetting and all because my husband is white. I am ashamed and embarrassed, it is such a disgusting thing to do to anyone.

"I do not want to go back to Croydon town centre again. I do not need that kind of bigotry in my life I just want these animals caught."

A police spokesman said no arrests had been made, but inquiries continued.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident should contact Croydon police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.