LONDON: The family home and business of Conservative politicians Tariq Aziz and Umer Farooq have been targeted in shocking attacks in Hounslow, West London, where bricks were hurled through upstairs and downstairs windows, causing serious damage to the property and leaving family members, including children, deeply shaken.
Within a day of the attack on the family home which caused huge damage to the house, an attempt was made to set alight Umer Farooq’s airline ticketing business, which also caused huge damage to the front of the office premises. Umar Farooq has announced £50,000 reward for anyone who could help identify the attackers at both premises.
The family said several relatives narrowly escaped serious injury as bricks came dangerously close to hitting them inside the house. A family car parked outside was also destroyed.
The attack comes amid heightened political tensions following the recent local council elections, in which Labour suffered heavy defeats across Britain, losing nearly 1,500 council seats. In Hounslow, a borough with a significant Pakistani and Asian community, Labour retained control but saw its majority reduced after losing 20 seats.
Local Conservative supporters claimed the tensions began after Pakistani and Asian candidates campaigned strongly for their parties and Conservatives made gains in areas previously seen as Labour strongholds. They alleged that some local Labour figures were behind the hostility and intimidation, but no evidence has yet been presented publicly to prove who was responsible for the attack.
Umer Farooq, a businessman who provides airline tickets for Pakistan, the Middle East and international destinations, was also targeted in a separate firebomb attack. CCTV footage shows a black car stopping outside his business before a masked man gets out, pours petrol on his own vehicle and sets it on fire before fleeing the scene. The flames burnt the front entrance of the house completely. Video shows huge flames outside the office building. The fire brigade arrived within 15 minutes and extinguished the fire.
Farooq said the attack was “planned and professional” and claimed those responsible used a stolen car to carry out the firebombing. He said the incident caused huge damage to the property and that the fire brigade arrived in time to prevent further destruction.
Farooq said his life and his family’s lives were under threat and criticised local police, claiming they had failed to provide adequate protection despite the seriousness of the attacks.
“No family should have to live in fear in their own home,” he said, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist police with their investigation.
Local Pakistani community leader and businessman Nisar Malik condemned the violence, saying political rivalry, intimidation and attacks on families have no place in Hounslow or any democratic society. He called on all parties to resolve their political differences and urged the police to take action.
The police said its investigating the attack and has gathered the evidence. The local Labour Party said it had no relation with the attack.
