The family of a musician who was seriously injured in a racist attack have criticised the police’s handling of the investigation, saying there have been “multiple failings” in communication.
Boyan Chowdhury, a founding member of indie band The Zutons, was left with a significant head wound after being hit with what is believed to be a piece of wood, near to his home in Wavertree, Liverpool, on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking to Sky News earlier this week, he said he could have been killed but that he did not have faith in the way the incident was being dealt with.
He shared graphic images of his wound, which we have blurred, on social media.
As Mr Chowdhury’s family say he continues to recover at home from symptoms of concussion, they criticised Merseyside Police, claiming there has been a lack of support and poor communication since the incident.
“This was a violent, racially motivated attack that could have ended in tragedy,” his family said. “What has followed has only added to our trauma – missed communication, lack of visible action and serious concerns around safety.
“We need answers, accountability and reassurance that this is being treated with the seriousness it demands.”
On Wednesday, the force told Sky News officers had arrested a 17-year-old male from the Mossley Hill area on suspicion of racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The arrest happened on Monday, a spokesperson said, and the teenager has since been released on conditional bail.
Earlier on Thursday, police made a second arrest – a 17-year-old male from Liverpool, who was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault and possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation.
He was taken to a police station in Merseyside, where he was held in custody.
However, Mr Chowdhury’s family say there were not officially notified that arrests had been made until Thursday evening.
The musician, who lives with his wife and five-year-old son, was initially told after the attack that he would receive an update within 14 days, his family say – a timeframe they argue shows the incident would not be “treated with the urgency and gravity it warrants”.
“In addition, no immediate search of the surrounding area was conducted for the weapon used in the assault,” a family statement continues.
“There was also no visible police presence in the area in the aftermath of the incident. No patrol cars were dispatched to reassure residents or ensure the safety of the neighbourhood that evening or in the days that followed.
“The family believe this lack of action created an environment in which those involved were able to return without consequence.”
Mr Chowdhury. Pic: Wilko Wilkinson Photography
In a statement, Merseyside Police said CCTV from the area had been analysed and inquiries are ongoing to identify all suspects involved.
They also said Mr Chowdhury was visited by officers and contacted by a hate-crime co-ordinator, whose role is to ensure victims receive support.
Detective Superintendent Cath Cummings said: “This was a truly shocking incident. Hate crime has no place in our communities, and I am pleased to say we have made an arrest and enquiries are progressing well.
“Since the assault, our officers have conducted an extensive trawl of CCTV in the area, as well as speaking to potential witnesses and identified several suspects as part of our ongoing investigation.
“A search for the weapon used during the assault was carried out after the incident and continues as part of the investigation.”
DS Cummings reiterated calls for anyone with information to come forward.
“I hope these actions reassure residents that we are committed to finding all those responsible for this violent assault and bringing them to justice,” she added.
“Violence and hate crime will simply never be tolerated in our communities. We have specially trained officers who respond to reports of hate crime with compassion and sensitivity, ensuring that every piece of information is acted upon to bring offenders to justice.
“I strongly encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed hate crime to come forward and contact us.”
