Three Birmingham men charged over violent attack on Muslim family enjoying picnic

Three Birmingham men have been charged over the savage attack against a Muslim family who were peacefully enjoying a picnic in a Walsall park on Bank Holiday Sunday (28 May).

A gang of armed thugs are alleged to have launched a barrage of racial abuse before carrying out a terrifying attack on the family in Doe Bank Park in Pheasey, Walsall, around 7pm.

Women and children were present at the scene as the barbaric attack took place in a public park.

The thugs reportedly targeted a Muslim family who were physically and verbally abused during the sadistic attack.

Two of the poor victims were beaten with such feral ferocity by the gang that they ended up with horrendous head and facial injuries.

The horrifying attack was filmed and the resulting video went viral and caused shock and outrage within the local Muslim community.

A police spokesperson confirmed that arrests were made following the attack: “We’ve arrested four men after a family were racially abused and attacked by a group armed with weapons at Doe Bank Park in Pheasey, Walsall.”

The men – Stephen McCallum, 38, David Hammond, 39, and James Bond, 58, were charged with violent disorder and appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday 1 June.

Police initially stated that the men had also been charged with “racially aggravated assault” but this was latter dropped from the official statement.

A fourth man who was arrested in connection with the vile attack was later released without charge.

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Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, the local policing commander for Walsall, said: “We know that feelings may be running high and we would ask people to trust us to do the right thing and not to take any matters into their own hands.

“We will be increasing our presence around Doe Bank Park and we are working with local partners and community leaders to ensure that people are kept updated and to offer reassurance.”

The Union of Muslim Organisations issued a statement following the vicious attack and said the incident had left the Muslim community living in fear and demanding action to curb Islamophobia.

Mr Mohammed Arif, the Interim chair at the Union of Muslim Organisations, said: “It is very disturbing for the Muslim Community. Feelings and tensions are running high.

“As a Community, we will not tolerate Racism or Islamophobia.

“I am pleased that Walsall Police have arrested the individuals and has launched an investigation.

“We hope that this will lead to successful prosecution.

“I have raised the matter with the Pheasey Ward Councillors Mike Bird (Leader), Mike Bird (Deputy Leader) and Chris Towe (Mayor). I have also raised it with the Cabinet Member Cllr Garry Perry who is the portfolio holder covering Community Safety.”