A 21-year-old NHS worker is facing a long recovery after being deliberately struck by a car in a racially aggravated attack in Bristol. The victim, who works at Southmead Hospital, suffered a broken leg, nose and cheekbone, and will require reconstructive surgery. Police say he could have been killed.
The incident occurred on Monks Park Avenue in Horfield at around 4:30pm on Wednesday, shortly after the man finished his shift. Witnesses reported that a Honda Accord was driven at him, and the occupants shouted racist abuse before abandoning the vehicle. Avon and Somerset Police are treating the attack as racially aggravated and are appealing for witnesses.
In a statement, the victim said he faces six months of recovery and has been left traumatised. 'I don't feel safe to walk outside,' he said. 'I am lucky to be alive. I want to raise awareness about racism and I want people to stop this hatred.' He thanked the witnesses, medical staff and police for their support, adding: 'We won’t let the haters win.'
Inspector Lorna Dallimore described the attack as 'shocking' and said there was no evidence of a wider risk to the public. The incident comes amid heightened racial tensions in Bristol following the toppling of the Edward Colston statue last month and subsequent attacks on other monuments.
Friends described the victim as a quiet, gentle and talented musician and footballer. He was due to perform at the St Paul’s Carnival, which was cancelled due to the pandemic. The charity Stand Against Racism & Inequality (Sari) is supporting him and urged the public to come forward with information.
