Stamford Hill, London - Rabbi Hurt In Race Attack

Stamford Hill, London - A religious leader has told how a racist teenage gang attacked him.

Rabbi Alan Shelton, 58, of Clapton Common, Upper Clapton, was punched to the ground and kicked by up to 15 yobs. They took off his religious headgear and threw it to the floor during the ferocious attack in Craven Park Road.

"It happened so quickly," said rabbi Shelton. "I was walking home alone when 15 youths turned the corner and crossed over the road towards me. "I did not run because nothing like this has happened to me before, but suddenly fists were flying and three or four of them pushed me over. "I was lying on the floor and they were kicking me. They were like hyenas surrounding me in the dark."

An ambulance crew took Rabbi Shelton to Homerton University Hospital, where he was treated for a broken collarbone and severe bruising.

Haringey police are investigating the incident, which took place on the borough border.

A spokesman said: "We are treating this as a racially motivated attack and we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward."

Meanwhile, Rabbi Shelton is recovering at home. "The trauma of the incident has not yet come out because I am in so much pain," he said.