Four Muslim students stabbed in racial attack

Four London City University students were stabbed last month in what is seen as a racially motivated attack by a mob of up to 30 people.

Three of the students stabbed were prominent members of the university’s Islamic Society. They were leaving the campus prayer room when the mob ambushed them.

The students appear to have been attacked because of their religion. The gang reportedly shouted racial abuse at their victims, such as “paki” and “get the muslims”.

The group of 30 attackers were armed with metal poles, bricks and projectiles. The students were subsequently brought to hospital after suffering severe facial and head injuries.

Both white and black youths were among the group of attackers, according to witnesses. Police have arrested three people – aged between 17 and 19 – over the incident.

The violence has given rise to concerns of an increase in Islamophobia, particularly in and around the university campus. The Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) said that it was the culmination of a “series of attacks” in which muslims have been targeted.

In a statement expressing deep concern over the event, FOSIS called on City University to protect all of its students from such attacks:

“FOSIS calls upon the University to provide assurances for the safety and welfare of all students on campus and request that such measures are maintained permanently, and in communication with the Islamic Society.”

The Metropolitan police have put in place a number of extra patrols around the university. Detective Inspector Trevor Borley said: “We are taking this matter very seriously”.

A City University spokesperson said: “We’re shocked and saddened that some of our students have been the victims of an attack near the University”. The University Islamic Society issued a statement urging all students to travel in groups and “be cautious”.