Locals in Norwich have come together in support of a shop keeper after an alleged racist attack on her business.
A brick was thrown through the front window of the Village Shop in Magdalen Street. A small fire was then started inside. The owner, Maria, and her daughter were asleep upstairs at the time of the attack. Thankfully, nobody was harmed, but stock was damaged in the arson attack.
DI Chris Burgess of Norwich CID said:
We are aware of suggestions this may have been a racially motivated incident, and whilst there is currently no information to suggest this to be the case, we will of course keep an open mind. We are treating this as a deliberate ignition, an arson, at this stage, and the investigation is ongoing.
In the days after the attack, locals began covering the boarded window with messages of support.
A JustGiving page was also set up to raise money for Maria, who was left ‘shaken’ and ‘terrified’ after the unprovoked attack on her business. Despite only having a target of £500, there has been just under £30,000 donated to the cause.
The page’s description reads:
While protesters rallied against BREXIT in Norwich last night, an Eastern European Food Store was petrol bombed. The owner was asleep upstairs with her daughter. She could do with an act of kindness from her neighbours. Please donate. A small token will go a long way.
The people of Norwich should be proud of themselves!
