A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated hate crime following a disturbance during Holi celebrations at the former Harrow Civic Centre.
Police were called to reports of a disturbance in the Civic Centre car park on Station Road at around 8.50pm on Tuesday, 3 March. Officers arrived within minutes and arrested the teenager on suspicion of affray and a racially aggravated hate crime offence.
According to police, the boy was heard making racial slurs towards the Black community. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
No injuries were reported and officers have spoken with multiple witnesses at the scene who are assisting with the investigation.
In a statement, Harrow’s policing lead addressed speculation circulating on social media about the incident.
Superintendent Zubin Writer, London Borough of Harrow Policing Lead, said: “We are aware of local concern following an incident at the former Harrow Civic Centre on Tuesday, 3 March.
“Police were called to reports of a disturbance at the Civic Centre car park on Station Road at around 20:50hrs. Our officers arrived within minutes and arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of affray and a racially aggravated hate crime offence as he was heard making racial slurs towards the black community.
“He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
“No injuries were reported and we have spoken with multiple witnesses at the scene, who are supporting with our investigation.
“I am aware of speculation circulating on social media and that there are concerns that Hindu phobic language was used.
“I have been in regular contact with the investigation team, who inform me that this is not the case and that this incident was not targeted at Hindu or Islamic communities.
“We are continuing to work closely with community partners and Local Authority partners to ensure accurate information is shared and would appreciate your support with this.
“The Met understands the concern this incident has generated and remains committed to providing reassurance to all residents from all communities.
“Any form of hate crime is taken extremely seriously, and where offences are identified, the Met will act quickly and robustly.”
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Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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