Elham Asaad Buaras

A man from Milton Keynes has been arrested in connection with a racially and religiously aggravated assault on a pregnant Muslim woman, who was wearing a head scarf, that led to the death of her unborn baby. Thames Valley police said the arrest was made on September 14.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police told The Muslim News: “At around 9.40pm on Saturday 6 August, the victim a 34 year-old woman, was in the Co-op on Water Eaton Road, Bletchley when she was approached by a man who directed racial remarks at her.

“The offender followed the woman to her car and then assaulted a second victim, a 40-year-old man, by hitting him over the head with a bag of ice and a bottle. The offender then kicked the first victim in the torso causing her to fall to the floor. The first victim was pregnant and as a result of the assault she lost her baby.”

The victim was rushed to Milton Keynes General Hospital for treatment and she was later discharged.

However, they could not save her baby who died because of the brutal attack. PC Richard Armitage said: “This racially aggravated assault had absolutely devastating consequences for the victim, who lost her baby as a result of the attack. Our thoughts are with her and her family at this incredibly difficult and sad time.”

In a statement to The Muslim News Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Harun Khan, said, “As a father of three young daughters, I am completely shocked and saddened to hear of such a horrific and cowardly attack on a vulnerable woman in our society today. My thoughts and prayers are with both the victims, especially for the lady who has now just lost a child as a result of hatred and xenophobia.”

“We need strong action now from the authorities to show that they are taking all hate crimes seriously, including Islamophobia, which findings show has increased in recent times, especially post Brexit”.