Hastings Assault - appeal and clarification in relation to the murder inquiry - 29-08-2008

Police have received a good response to their appeals following the death of foreign language student Mohammed Al-Majed, who was involved in an assault on Hastings seafront on Friday night (22 August).

DCI Graham Pratt, who is leading the investigation, said: "We would like to hear from anyone who has evidence that could assist in the investigation. There has been a good response to our appeals. I am still not convinced though that we have spoken to everyone who has information and I would urge them to come forward.

"I am aware of reports in the media of Mohammed having been kicked, stamped or trodden on. There is nothing from our investigation so far both from interviews of witnesses and from forensic work to suggest this is the case.

"When Mohammed fell to the ground, officers immediately offered assistance and placed him in a police van awaiting an ambulance, which took a matter of minutes to arrive. He was then taken to the Conquest Hospital.

"Anyone who was in the area and saw the incident should contact detectives on 0845 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Hastings Police are working with the community to reassure the people of Hastings, including foreign visitors, that Hastings is a safe place.

Chief Inspector Mark Ling, from Hastings Police, said: "Hastings is not a racist town and we are working hard with all sections of the community to ensure there is greater community cohesion. We will continue to build on that work with our partners following this tragic event.

"We engage with foreign language schools on a fortnightly basis to ensure that they are fully briefed on current crime trends and patterns in order to reduce crime. Crime against foreign students visitors is down considerably year on year

"Officers from Hastings engaged on Operation Marble, our policing of the town centre night time economy, did stop and speak to a group of youths outside the USA Fried Chicken and Kebab shop approximately 45 minutes before the incident involving Mohammed. These officers stopped and spoke with the group as a part of a routine patrol. They were not called to that location by anyone who raised concerns about the behaviour of the group. The officers considered that they may be under the age of drinking alcohol and wanted to check if they were drinking. The youths present were not committing any offences and so therefore, following the conversation with them, the police continued on their patrol of the town centre area."

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