A recent graduate was the victim of an unprovoked racist attack on the University of York’s campus.
The incident occurred at 2:30pm on Thursday, September 4, according to North Yorkshire Police, who are investigating.
The victim, a man in his 30s originally from Hong Kong, said he moved to York to study because it “is a safe city and we love it.” He described the attack to the York Press as “really upsetting.”
He said that he was on campus to apply for an alumni library visitor card when two men started making racist gestures and shouting at him.
He claims one man said, “Hello refugee,” to which he replied, “I’m not a refugee, I’m a student; I contribute to this city.”
The victim said the situation then escalated when one man attacked him by repeatedly punching him in the face. His glasses were also thrown into the lake.
A PhD student came to his aid amidst the attack, phoning campus security, who contacted the police. The victim had been left badly bruised with a tender eye.
The University stated that: “In speaking out after the incident the victim has shown remarkable compassion and resilience, values that the whole community here at York share. Our work with the police will not stop until these individuals are caught and held accountable.”
A University spokesperson said: “This is utterly indefensible and the way our community has rallied round just goes to show how we will stand together against such acts of aggression.
“We are grateful to the students, staff and our Campus Safety team who responded so quickly and came to the victim’s aid.
“In speaking out after the incident the victim has shown remarkable compassion and resilience, values that the whole community here at York share.
“Our work with the police will not stop until these individuals are caught and held accountable.”
The suspect has been caught on CCTV as seen above. Anyone with information about the incident should report it to North Yorkshire Police by phoning 101 and quoting incident number 12250167483.