An Asian shopkeeper today spoke of his terror when three youths pelted him with stones in a racist attack.

The Indian man, who has asked not to be named, was locking up his shop in Appletree Way, Wickford, when he felt something hit his neck.

He turned round and saw a youth withdraw his hand after throwing stones, one of which cut his forehead causing a small temporary scar.

The three Wickford youngsters, who cannot be named, are now awaiting sentence after being found guilty of carrying out a racially-aggravated attack.

The boys, two aged 15 and one aged 16, denied the charge and said they were innocently waiting for a taxi to take them to the industrial area at Shotgate where they would regularly meet friends.

Photos of the shopkeeper's injuries were shown to Basildon magistrates.

Giving evidence in court was a "frustrating and traumatic" experience, said the victim, but he was determined not to suffer silently as he believes many shopkeepers do.

He said: "I ignored the boys' abuse but I was afraid because there were three of them. I called the police and they were good and did their job.

"I wanted to do something as there is a small group in this area which has been harassing me for some time.

"I can't park my car outside my shop because it gets damaged."

Racist graffiti has also been put on the walls and shutters of his shop, said the victim. Despite the attack, however, the man said his shop would be staying in Wickford.

The shopkeeper, said: "Most of my customers here are very friendly but some boys are prejudiced towards me because of my colour. I like serving in this area and am here to stay."

The victim also feels some shopkeepers are being forced to sell cigarettes and alcohol to underage youngsters because they are faced with a torrent of abuse and threats when they refuse to serve them.

He claims the front door of his own shop has been smashed in retaliation on two separate occasions when he has refused to serve youths in the area.

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