THE owner a kebab van in Test Valley has been overwhelmed after residents and customers have come together to help him following an attack on his business left him devastated.

Sedat Celebi, who is known by locals as Adam, runs Adam's best kebabs and breakfast, the only takeaway in the Kentsboro area, near Middle Wallop.

On Thursday, February 9, Adam’s van was attacked by a group of five men after they attempted to steal a gas canister bottle and refused to pay for the food they had ordered.

Adam, who is Turkish, said he was struggling due to the devastating earthquake which has destroyed his home town and killed family members.

He said: “When I was cooking, I noticed they took my gas bottle from off the van, so I told them I am having a bad time, I don’t need any trouble, I know you are here for trouble. Can you please stop doing what you are doing?” 

Adam asked the men to return the gas bottle and pay for the food they ordered, but they refused to do so. 

Shortly after, Adam says the group returned and attempted to drive a Hyundai 4x4 into him, before proceeding to attack his van with golf clubs.

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Adam, who has since returned to Turkey to help his family and the relief effort, said the whole incident was “absolutely disgusting”.

Now, a fundraiser has been set up to help him rebuild his business upon his return.

The GoFundMe page was launched by Alana Hollister, 37, who has lived in Middle Wallop for six years.

Alana said it was horrible to see such a “jolly, hardworking man” struggle following recent events, and decided she wanted to do something to help him.

She said: "I just wanted to raise some money to help him out a bit, but within three days we had raised £700.”

The fundraiser has now raised £1,000.

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“I am thrilled with the support that I have received for Adam, our local fast food caterer. He is a lovely man who is going through a tough time after losing members of his family in the Turkish earthquake. He certainly did not deserve to have his livelihood threatened by a group of unruly thugs,” Alana said.

"It has been heartwarming to see the response from our local community who have donated to Adam. He is always there working with a smile on his face, so it's been nice to be able to help.”

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said that police are now appealing for information.

They continued: “We were called at 3.10pm on Thursday 9 February after five men were seen damaging a kebab van that was parked in Salisbury Road near Middle Wallop.

"The front windscreen and a passenger window were damaged in the incident. Officers attended and are continuing to carry out enquiries.

"Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting the reference number 44230055430.”

Donations can be made to help Adam at gofundme.com/f/adam-the-kebab-man-needs-our-urgent-help.