Two women wearing traditional Islamic attire were crossing Shernhall Street when they were hit by a car on Thursday night. One remains in hospital, reports Marco Marcelline
Police have slapped down speculation that two visibly Muslim women who were struck by a car last week in Walthamstow were targeted in a hate crime.
The two women, who were wearing traditional Muslim attire, were hit by a car turning into Shernhall Street from Addison Road at around 7.10pm on Thursday 1st February.
One of the women was taken to hospital for treatment where she remains though her condition is not life threatening.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said that the driver of the car has not been arrested. They had stopped at the scene to provide assistance to the women, has not been arrested.
While the police have said there is no evidence of a hate crime, an investigation into the crash continues.
Waltham Forest policing lead Simon Crick said: “I am saddened to hear about this incident and the serious injuries sustained by one of the women. Officers have spoken with one of the women, and when medically appropriate they will speak with the second woman.
“One of the women felt they had been targeted due to their Islamic dress, and as such this incident has been formally recorded as a hate crime. However, our investigation – including viewing of CCTV – leads us to believe that the women were not in any way deliberately targeted. This was an unfortunate road traffic collision.
“I am aware of community concerns, and I take these extremely seriously. As part of my commitment to ensuring that all alleged hate crimes are investigated thoroughly and as a priority, the investigation by Met officers in Waltham Forest has been reviewed by specialist hate crime investigators. Their assessment is also that the women were not specifically targeted.“
Witnesses yet to speak with police are asked to call 101 and quote CAD6364/1Feb
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