AN INDIAN take-away owner has told of his horror as he saw his brother covered in blood from the waist up after an attack outside their business in Winscombe.

THE owner of an Indian takeaway has told of his horror as he saw his brother covered in blood from the waist up after an attack outside their business in Winscombe.

Showkot and Rafiq Miah were set upon after leaving A Touch of Spice in Sandford Road, which they run with their younger brother Abdu Salm.

Rafiq’s 18-year-old daughter Tamina witnessed the attack. She saw her father go through the shop window, leaving the 47-year-old with a gash to his arm that required more than 10 stitches and cuts and bruises to his face. He also suffered a head injury which caused bleeding on his brain.

Police are treating the attack on October 6 as a racially aggravated assault.

Showkot said: “It was horrible to see my brother in such a state. He fell through the window and then to the floor and was covered in blood from his waist up.

“His breathing became really loud and slow. The whole incident was horrific.

“Tamina was so distraught. She tried to ring for an ambulance but she couldn’t get her words out. To see her father so badly injured really shook her up.”

When ambulances arrived, Rafiq was taken to Weston General Hospital, in Grange Road, where he stayed for two days until he was well enough to go home.

Rafiq said: “I feel so weak at the moment, the littlest things take all my energy. I think I may have to go back to hospital soon as I have been suffering from headaches.

“Showkot was lucky enough to not be badly hurt, which meant he could carry on running our business.”

Showkot, aged 37, was left with cuts and bruises to his face after the attack.

Rafiq, a father-of-three, said: “I have never had many problems in Winscombe or Weston. I have been living in Weston for 25 years and this is the first time I have experienced such racial abuse.

“I have experienced some name calling but not violence.

“My family are very worried about me going back to work, but I will have to go in order to support them.

“I am more worried about my children feeling intimidated. Tamina did not go to college for four days after the incident.”

Since the attack, many Winscombe residents have been into A Touch of Spice to pass on their regards to Rafiq and his wife, 39-year-old Shahina.

Showkot said: “It is so nice to know that more than the majority of people in the village are so kind-hearted and supportive.

“Even people who aren’t our customers have come in to see how Rafiq is doing. It’s such a contrast to the people who did this to us.”

After the incident, police arrested three males, aged 15, 16 and 22. A 17-year-old woman was also arrested.

All four have been released on bail while police carry out further investigations. Anyone who can help with the enquiries is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.