Police continue appeal after restaurant brawl (From Yeovil Express)

Police continue appeal after restaurant brawl

8:19am Wednesday 22nd March 2006 in Yeovil By Helen Rossiter

POLICE have appealed for calm in Yeovil as a 17-year-old youth remains in a critical condition in hospital after a fight.

Although officers have dismissed fears that Friday's incident, which happened outside Viceroy Tandoori in Middle Street was racially motivated, a warning has been issued by Superintendent Jon Stratford.

The teenager from the Yeovil area remains in a critical condition after trouble started in the restaurant around 11.30pm.

He has been transferred from Yeovil District Hospital to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol where he is being treated for life-threatening head injuries.

Police have charged restaurant worker Shamsul Islam, 22, from London, with Grievous Bodily Harm in connection with the incident.

On Monday, he appeared at South Somerset Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody.

The case was adjourned for a preliminary hearing at Taunton Crown Court on April 3.

Although the disturbance itself is not being treated as racially-motivated, police have expressed concerns of potential tension following the incident and are appealing for the public's co-operation.

Supt Jon Stratford, based at Yeovil Police Station, said: "We are aware of potential community tensions following the incident last Friday and I would appeal to any members of the public affected in any way to contact the police, Crimestoppers which can be anonymous, or the Somerset Race Equality Council with any issues or concerns. Any racially motivated incident is dealt with robustly and will not be tolerated in our communities."

I would also appeal for anyone who was in the restaurant at the time who has not yet spoken to the police to come forward."

Police continue to appeal for any witnesses to contact Yeovil CID On 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

You do not have to give your name and could receive a reward.

Police are also appealing for information after threats were made to staff at the Viceroy Restaurant on Sunday night at about 8.15pm.

Two men were arrested, questioned at Yeovil Police Station and later released on bail.