AN ABERGAVENNY pensioner believes that the recent terrorist bombs in London could have been the catalyst for a racist attack on his Hillside home reports Lorna Phelan. Syed Abid Ali, aged 73, and his wife Ann were leaving their home on Saturday morning to go shopping when they discovered racist graffiti had been daubed on the road at the entrance to the estate. The couple, who have lived in Hillside for nearly ten years, said they are angry and upset by the incident, which they believe is a direct attack on Mr Al (pictured). Mrs Ali explained her husband is a British national and the only person of Pakistani origin living on the estate. "Before moving here we never experienced anything like this before," Mrs Ali said. "Since we came here we have suffered verbal abuse, but we are not going to let them defeat us. " It is distressing. My husband is 73 years old and doesn't want to have to deal with this sort of thing at his age." This is not the first time Mr Ali has been the victim of a racially motivated crime. Following the September 11 attacks on New York, Mr and Mrs Ali found a pig's head in their garden and again, graffiti was scrawled on walls close to their home. The couple have lived in Abergavenny for 25 years and used to own a shop in Union Road. Mrs Ali converted to Islam when she married her husband 44 years ago and they said they were disgusted by the terrorist attacks in London, where two of their children live. "We have got nothing to do with terrorism. Unfortunately some people class all Muslims the same but Islam is a gentle religion. "My husband has done nothing wrong and is a good family man," Mrs Ali said. Detective Sergeant Ieuan Watkins, of Abergavenny Police, described the attack as 'despicable'. "No doubt this type of behaviour is very frightening for Mr Ali and his family. I would urge any resident within Abergavenny to contact me on my direct telephone number if they have any information that can help us to catch the offender. "Racist behaviour will never be tolerated and we will always seek to prosecute rigorously within the confines of the law," he said. Superintendent Jon Burley of Gwent Police said the incident was being taken very seriously by the police, who are determined to trace the offender. "We actively work with partner agencies across the division to ensure that minority groups living in rural areas receive as much support as those living in urban areas. "We are anxious for any information about this incident, but would also appeal to any victims or witnesses to any other incidents or anybody who has any concerns to come forward," Superintendent Burley said. The graffiti has since been painted over and Mr Ali has contacted David Davies AM MP about the matter. Mr Davies said, "It is absolutely disgraceful that a hard working and innocent citizen has been singled out for this attack and abuse. People should save their anger for those responsible for the terror attacks on London and not those who have made a positive contribution to the country. "I would strongly urge the police to investigate this mindless crime and to take action." If you have any information about this incident or other similar incidents telephone Det Sgt Watkins on 01495 232281 or Abergavenny police station on 01873 852273.
