Gang of teenage girls 'savagely attack' restaurant owner after he didn't let them use the toilet

Passage to India/Toilet/Smashed glass

A group of teenage girls allegedly attacked a restaurant owner after he refused to let them use the toilet

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Holly Bishop

By Holly Bishop


Published: 28/05/2024

- 13:52

Muhammed Islam said he was attacked after he told the group that toilets were for paying customers only

A group of teenage girls allegedly attacked a restaurant owner after he refused to let them use the toilet.

Muhammed Islam, 64, owner of Passage to India in West Sussex, received punches and kicks after he told the group that the bathrooms were for paying customers only.


The blows in the allegedly “unprovoked attack” were so brutal that they reportedly drew blood and Islam sustained facial injuries.

The restaurant in Sussex, which Islam has owned for 35 years, also had its windows smashed in.

Toilets (stock)

The attack reportedly happened after the owner refused to let the girl use the toilets (stock)

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The businessman told the Daily Mail that the first girl walked into the restaurant and insisted that she would be using the toilet.

Islam claimed that the girl said that because she was only 16, no one could lay a hand on her.

He said she later came back with a group of friends, where he tried to explain that the toilets were not for public use. Islam claimed he was then punched by the girls.

Staff at the family-run restaurant managed to herd the group out the restaurant and held the doors shut as the group tried to smash the windows open.

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Neighbours who heard the noise filmed the attack and posted it online.

A 14-year-old girl and 15-year-old girl from Yapton were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. They have both been released on bail, pending further enquiries.

Sussex Police are appealing for any more information about other individuals involved in the disturbance.

Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones, Chichester and Arun District commander, said: “This is an unacceptable and unprovoked attack.

Stock image of a police officer

Sussex Police are appealing for any more information about other individuals involved in the disturbance

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“Those who go to work should not have to tolerate this behaviour and we are taking this report extremely seriously.

“An investigation is under way and we will hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions.

“We are aware of a post on social media showing the incident. I would urge users to not speculate or share it at this time and report any evidence to Sussex Police.”

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