THE boss of a chef who was racially attacked in Andover town centre has thanked members of the public for coming to his aid.

Tito Fernandes, owner of the Mumbai Brasserie, has reached out to those who helped his chef Fozlu Miah, 52, who experienced racial abuse in the town centre on Wednesday, May 23.

Mr Miah, who is originally from India, was on an afternoon break when he is said to have had an assailant shout racially offensive language at him, and then begin to kick and punch him.

Mr Fernandes said: “There was this guy passing by he quickly went and restrained them and they still carried on kicking.

“Fozlu had bruises on his legs. He never had this type of experience.

“They really wanted to get him. I’m quite surprised as to why a person who’s never spoken to him or totally random have a go at him.

“People were saying ‘what are you doing?’, took the person away, made sure the chef was alright, asked him to sit down, asked if he wanted some water, and a few people called the police.”

Despite this, Mr Miah did not not want to press charges.

Mr Fernandes added: “He was a bit shaken. He’s a little bit aware because when he comes here it reminds him of the incident.

“After that day now I’m a bit more worried.

"Before that the thought wasn’t there but now I’m a bit aware about being careful and things like that.

“My staff feel the same. We are always aware now. They’re a bit scared of a random attack.”

Police confirmed they were called at 3.54pm to the incident.

Sylwia Hajduga, 39, of Porters Close, Andover was charged with racially/religiously aggravated common assault/beating, and assault by beating in connection with the incident, and pleaded guilty on June 7.

In her appearance at Basingstoke Magistrates Court she was ordered to pay £220 total of a fine, compensation and court costs.

She was also given a community order and a rehabilitation activity requirement to complete.