Conservative MP Bob Blackman said those behind disrupting Holi celebrations in north-west London earlier this month are “mostly still at large”, even as he pointed to fresh violence against Hindu and Sikh communities in nearby areas.Blackman posted on X that despite the March 3 incident in Harrow being raised in the UK Parliament, tensions there had not eased.“The violence has not stopped since I raised the issue in Parliament… the perpetrators of the original Holi attacks remain largely at large,” he said, referring to recent attacks on businesses and individuals in Wembley.The MP earlier told parliament that a group of around 20 people disrupted Holi celebrations and only one arrest had been made so far, and called on the Metropolitan Police to be held accountable.
What happened at Holi event in Harrow
The incident Blackman referred to took place on March 3 during the Holika Dahan celebrations in Harrow Civic Center car park, attended by nearly 1,000 people.The event became tense after a small group of youths allegedly disrupted the event by unplugging wires from the sound system and damaging equipment, according to organizers. They reportedly returned a short time later with a larger group of 15-20 people, some wearing face masks, and caused further chaos by throwing objects and clashing with security guards before escaping.Police attended the scene and a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray.
questions raised by british parliament
Blackman earlier raised the matter in the House of Commons, describing the attackers as “thugs” from a nearby mosque who were trying to disrupt peaceful religious celebrations.He asked the British government to step in and reassure communities, warning that rising global tensions were starting to be reflected locally.“As politicians, we have a responsibility to calm things down,” he said, calling for measures to ensure people can celebrate the holiday in “peace and harmony.”In response to the concerns, British government minister Alan Campbell condemned religious hatred but did not comment directly on the case, citing an ongoing police investigation.
New violence breaks out at Wembley
In his latest address, Blackman also referred to a series of alleged attacks at Wembley, where Hindu and Sikh-owned businesses were reportedly targeted in recent days.Local reports described a number of incidents, including vandalism, assaults and stabbings at the Ealing Road restaurant. In one such incident, a group reportedly stormed a restaurant, damaging property and assaulting those present. In another case, a store owner said masked youths vandalized the store and fled before police arrived.Community members have expressed concerns that the same group behind the Harrow disruption may be linked to the incidents, but this has not been confirmed.
