A COUNCILLOR in London's East End as been beaten up in the street. Liberal Abdul Matin suffered serious head injuries in the assault at Vallance Road in Bethnal Green late last night (Tuesday)
A COUNCILLOR in London’s East End as been beaten up in the street.
Opposition Liberal Democrat Abdul Matin suffered serious head injuries in the assault at Vallance Road in Bethnal Green late last night (Tuesday).
The Tower Hamlets councillor has been detained at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. His condition is described as serious.’
CONDEMNATION
Politicians in the East End have united in their condemnation of the assault, with messages of sympathy from councillors at the Town Hall and from Bethnal Green’s MP George Galloway.
They include Cllr Matin’s Lib-Dem colleagues as well as members of Galloway’s Respect and the Conservative opposition parties—but no official word this-evening from the Labour-run authority about the incident.
A statement from the Respect group said: “We deplore the brutal attack on Cllr Matin which has left him in hospital. Police are giving this a high priority to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“There is speculation and rumour about the identity of those who attacked him and their motives.
“But it is best for the investigation and the community if speculation is kept to a minimum and we deal only with fact.”
It was signed by Galloway and the six Respect members of the authority.
NOT SAFE
Conservative group deputy leader Tim Archer said: “Cllr Matin was beaten senseless on one of our streets—but all the Labour council does is say crime is down 10 per cent.
“Even one of our councillors is not safe on the streets.”
A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: “This is a shocking incident. Our thoughts are with Cllr Matin and his family.”
Cllr Matin represents the Weavers area of Bethnal Green where he was attacked.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack at 10.40pm on Tuesday. They are appealing for anyone with information to call 020-7275 4546, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here