Police are asking for anyone with information to come forwarded after a young man was threatened with a bladed article in public
Officers were called to the scene when a three-man armed gang stormed inside an Indian takeaway and attacked a 19-year-old. The assault occurred at around 6 pm at Palash Balti on Birmingham New Road, Wolverhampton.
It was suspected that before they ambushed the Indian restaurant, the mob was viciously assaulting the same teenager in a road rage attack outside the premises. They then broke into the back area of the business and held an axe to the 19-year-old-man’s throat. They punched him numerous times before making a getaway in a black Renault Clio.
A bystander inside the take away filmed part of the incident on a mobile phone. The footage shows two black men come into the kitchen area of the restaurant. One of them raises a short-bladed axe above his head to attack the young man. The victim raises his hand to defend himself, but then his attacker lowers the axe. The two gang members appear to hold the other man against the wall; he seems visibly terrified.
The recording shows one of the attackers was wearing a quilted grey jacket, black jogging bottoms and a colourful striped bucket hat. The other man had on a black baseball cap, checked coat and dark bottoms.
Police have released the recording to allow the public to provide more information about the attackers if they are known to them. The Police force has urged anyone who recognises the men to get in contact via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk – which is open between 8am – midnight or by calling 101.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 by quoting the incident number 20WV/210555C/19.
Manisha Bhanot
