大象传媒

A North Dorset family of five has described to 大象传媒 Radio Solent the damaging impact that regular racist incidents is having on their lives.

Jagrut and Amisha Patel moved to Gillingham from Wembley in London 17 years ago. Jag works as a cab driver in the capital and lives there at the weekend. Wife Amisha is a local school teacher.

Four years ago, they decided to change schools for their three girls after problems in the classroom. And last month Jag and his youngest daughter Vriya were verbally abused while they were jogging near to their home.

The family didn't report the latest incident. They told reporter Laurence Herdman they have lost faith in the system, saying there is 'no justice'.

Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said he was "appalled" to hear about the experience of the Patel family and has offered to meet them.

Dorset Council has confirmed there have been 23 incidents of fixed term exclusions at Dorset schools due to racial abuse from Sept 2019 to July 2020, breaking down as three incidents in primary schools and 20 incidents for secondary age children.

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