COUNTER terror cops are investigating the brutal stabbing of a young Somali man in a suspected racist attack at a hotel formerly housing migrants.
The white attacker is said to have asked the 25-year-old victim which country he came from before pulling out a blade and knifing him the chest and hand.
A 31-year-old man was initially arrested by police on suspicion of grievous bodily harm over Tuesday lunchtime’s stabbing in the lobby area of the Pear Tree Inn & Country Hotel in Hindlip, near Worcester.
He was subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and the investigation taken over by the West Midlands counter terror policing unit.
The victim is recovering in hospital and is described as being in a stable condition.
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Forensic officers yesterday continued their examination of the hotel, which remains cordoned off.
It had been used to house migrants for three years but was closed three months ago for refurbishments and is due to be re-opened for the public.
Owner Ramlal Chander, 63, said the victim had previously lived at the hotel as an asylum seeker and visited to speak with one of the workmen at the property.
Mr Chander said: “The workmen were working round the side of the hotel outside when a young man who had been walking along the road, walked up to the victim and asked him what country he was from.
“The victim is black and answered he was from Somalia and the attacker took out a knife, stabbed him and then walked off along the road.
“We have no idea who he was, or where he came from, but we called the police and the ambulance because the man he had stabbed was in a bad way. He’s still in hospital but, thankfully, he is okay.
“The police told us the attacker had brought the knife with him. All we know is that he was white and slim.”
The hotel boss added: “We have had 65 asylum seekers staying here for the past three years without any trouble but we have been renovating the hotel since they all moved out about three months ago.
“We don’t understand why something so horrible should happen but we believe it was racially motivated and we are glad the victim survived.”
POLICE STATEMENT
It is understood police are examining electronic digital devices seized from the suspect to establish whether he has any extreme right wing links.
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West Mercia Police Assistant Chief Constable said: “It is important we fully understand the circumstances of this incident and are working with colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands as part of the investigation.”
He added: “We understand incidents of this nature can be concerning to our local communities and I would like to reiterate that a man has been arrested and we do not believe there is a wider risk to the public.
“A cordon is in place at the Pear Tree Inn with additional officers in the area, both to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance.
“In addition, officers from the local safer neighbourhood team will be in the area carrying out patrols and I would encourage anyone who is concerned to speak to an officer.”
