HC Deb 28 June 2000 vol 352 c523W
Mr. Galloway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of Hampshire on the attack on Dr. Burhan al-Chelabi and Detective Constable Stephen Longshaw on 30 April; and if he will make a statement. [127170]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The attack on Dr. Burhan al-Chelabi and Detective Longshaw took place at Alton Railway station in Hampshire and was investigated by the British Transport police. I understand that Dr. al-Chelabi was assaulted by Mr. Colin Smith who also subjected him to racist abuse. Detective Constable Longshaw, a serving officer with the Metropolitan Police Service, who was enjoying an outing with his family in the company of Dr. Burhan al-Chelabi and his wife, prevented Mr. Smith from attacking Dr. al-Chelabi with a sword. During the incident Mr. Smith also attacked Detective Constable Longshaw who received a cut across his nose.

Mr. Smith was arrested by Detective Constable Longshaw and subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

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