Politicians and residents came together for an anti-racism protest this evening.
Party activist Ashikur Rahman, a member of Forest Gate North candidate Anam Islam’s campaign team, was allegedly assaulted in a racist attack outside the Labour office in Stratford’s High Street yesterday.
The vigil outside Forest Gate station, organised by current ward councillors Seyi Akiwowo and Rachel Tripp, was held in response to the incident ahead of Thursday’s by-election.
Cllr Tripp said: “We were so appalled about what happened to our friend and comrade and we knew our friends in Forest Gate would be too.
“I’m really, really happy, but not surprised, to see so many people here given we only organised it on WhatsApp this afternoon.”
West Ham MP Lyn Brown was among those who signed a pledge to stand up to racism in the area as part of the protest.
She said: “It’s important for us all to get together and send a message to racism.
“It does not have a place on our streets in Newham or in our country.”
See Wednesday’s Recorder for a full report.
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