On 22 September 2020, hard-working David Kamson (from Greater Manchester) had his livelihood set on fire in a vicious racist attack.

The full story

David Kamson has dedicated himself to working hard and providing for the Greater Manchester community for years. His small food business, Moston Suya, which ran from a van he saved hard to buy quickly became a huge part of the community, serving people from all walks of life. He would also give away food to homeless people daily to make sure no one went hungry in the community.

All of that changed on 22 September 2020 when the van was set on fire in an attack the police admit was 'racially aggravated'.

Sadly, this was not the first time David Kamson's food van had been targetted in a racist attack.

Earlier in 2020, the entire van was stolen and over £5000 worth of equipment was sold – plus significant damage – committed by a known local man.

David reported this to the police. The police found the man accused with the van in the local area. He lied and said he bought it.

He wasn't charged and, worse, he continued to taunt David.

On 21 September 2020, the same man drove past David and said *TRIGGER WARNING*

"F*cking black immigrants come to Moston to do business like they own it." He went on to say the trailer should be his and his boys 'have eyes on it'.

Hours later, it was gone. 

The next morning, an unaware David went on his post office trip and was met with an alarmed face from the cashier, who asked him what happened to his trailer.

David happily replied "Nothing, it's fine. I've just fixed it back up. The council love it and the tools are back in it."

It was this moment when the cashier told David the van had been burnt to ashes. David didn't believe him, having worked there the evening before. 

But when he arrived at his trailer, he was heartbroken to see the £3000 trailer had been burnt down with £2200 equipment stolen.

 

The follow-up

David's story caught the attention of many people on social media, who kindly raised a great sum of money for David to reinstall his business with an even bigger, better trailer.

People came together, with different trades and skills, to work on a van that was better and safer for David – and get him set up.

This is where the happy new chapter should begin but, sadly, then the council have rejected several of David's applications (without alternative) leaving him unable to trade.

This is having a highly detrimental effect on David's wellbeing when all he wants to do is cook for the community. 

Moreover, the known attackers are still walking free and have not been brought to justice for either crime, despite the police finding him with the van. 

David is suffering and struggling while the racist attackers, who stole his livelihood twice walk free.

 

 

The ask

This is an official petition calling for two aspects of change.

 1. The Council are called upon to reconsider their rejection of David Kamson's application to trade in the car park requested.

• If the council are unable to support the application for this location, a representative should work with David to find an alternative safe location in the local area. This is in line with the regulation of takeaway outlets being able to continue to trade during all tiers of lockdown.

2. The Greater Manchester police are asked to re-open the investigation into criminals responsible for both of these crimes, working with David's family to ensure they receive proper safeguarding now and on an ongoing basis. 

• This was a harrowing, continuous and targeted crime of racial hatred. I am sure this is not the reputation Greater Manchester wants to be known for. It is also deeply worrying for the diverse community, so we call on justice authorities for further investigation. 

A tertiary ask is for support from the community and society on this campaign. We are specifically keen to hear from:

• Further legal representation
• People who might be able to support with alternative locations where David can trade
• Local and national media
• Caring individuals to help spread the word.

Thank you.

We look forward to hearing back from the requested representatives on both this asks.

 

Update – 17 March 2021:

Despite, a month of contacting MPs, police and council, they have all failed to meet either request outlined in the petition. Weeks ago, Lekan was promised telephone contact or a safe visit from the Council. Neither were provided.

Today he received a letter, essentially trying to deport him, notifying him that his indefinite leave to remain has been denied. He has been waiting on this to hopefully open a shop, which would hopefully be safer than the van.

This marks an unacceptable systematic failing of Greater Manchester institutions.

They have allowed: 

• racist arsonists to go free after not only violently threatening Lekan, stealing his van and causing thousands of pounds of damage but setting his livelihood and main source of income alight.
• taxpayers' donations that supported the van to go to waste by blocking Lekan's applications to trade and not helping him find alternative premises. 
• a hard-working victim of a harrowing racist attack to lose not only his business but his self-esteem, safety and wellbeing.
• the worst injustice of all, in Lekan being threatened with deportation while there are violent racists emboldening in the Greater Manchester area.

Where is the justice?

Where is the incentive for good, hard-working community people?

I ask that you continue to share this petition and call for justice before the council have blood on their hands.

We cannot allow the racists or arsonists who attack innocent businesses to win.