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Thursday, 28th August 2008

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Terrified Mum speaks of racist attack



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A LEIGH mum who was burned on the face by racist thugs has said she is now too afraid to leave her home.
The 47-year-old woman , who wishes only to be known by her first name, Souad, says she has suffered years of racial torment -
But the most recent attack, which happened as she was walking down St Mary's Way, Leigh, just before 3pm on Monday May 5, has forced her to speak out abouther living hell.
She had been shopping with her 14-year-old son, when a group of six youths approached them, hurling racial abuse.
One youth spat in Souad's face, burnt his cigarette on her lip and pulled his pants down, making threats of a sexual nature.
Souad said: "The boys and girls were walking and said 'look who is there,' like something very strange was walking in the street. The said 'you Paki, what you doing here?'
"This boy spat in my face. I kept telling him I was not Pakistani. He burnt my lip and spat all over. All my hair - it was everywhere.
"They took my shopping and threw it on the floor."
One youth did break away from the group, saying he didn't want to take part.
Souad added: "I believe it's mostly ignorance, but they shouldn't get involved in this.
"I'm still very upset with this. I do not know what to tell them (the youths). Every minute I remember it makes me cry."
This is no isolated incident, as Souad feels victimised by neighbours in her own home.
She described how one youth broke a window in her house and emptied human faeces in her kitchen, saying, "I do not want to see you here."
She also described that when England lost the qualifying game against Croatia to play in Euro 2008, neighbours entered her home and set a dog to attack her, blaming her for England's defeat.
Souad's son has also been the victim of racial abuse, as in 2001 he was pushed down five stairs at school and was beaten up by bullies.
He now has Heller's Syndrome, and has lost his memory and speech, which Souad believes is a result of being pushed down the stairs.
Souad was born in Tunisia but moved to Leigh in 1998, where her now ex-husband was working.
Speaking of her years of torment, Souad said: "That makes me feel very bad. I am British. I have no rights - I have lost everything - my child, my job, everything. It has destroyed my family.
"I am tired and exhausted. I have had enough."
If anyone has any information on the attack on May 5, contact the police on 0161 856 7229 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The main offender is described as white, slim built, with dark brown hair, wearing black sports clothing.
The other boy was described as white of slim build with black hair, wearing a black stripy top and dark coloured trousers.
The girls, two blonde, the other with red hair, were described as 17 to 18 years old.
There is no description of the sixth offender.

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