London riots ‘backpack robber’ suspect arrested

A youth suspected of robbing an injured Malaysian student during Britain’s recent riots, in an incident filmed and seen by millions on the internet, will appear in court later today.

The 17-year-old was overnight charged with assaulting Asyraf Rossli, whose jaw was broken in an attack, during disorder in Barking, east London on August 8.

The youth was due to appear at Thames Magistrates Court charged with one count of grievous bodily harm against the student, one count of robbery, two counts of burglary and two counts of violent disorder.

Another suspect, 21-year-old Reece Donovan, is currently in custody after appearing in court last month over the robbery.

Donovan is accused of stealing a games console and a mobile phone from the 20-year-old accountancy student.

Asyraf w

At a press conference, Asyraf doubted the incident would have happened in Malaysia.

“Our country is well-organised and the police do their job more efficiently,” he said.

His mother and father, who came to London to visit their son, thanked the British government for its help but said in a statement they hoped similar incidents would not happen again “for the sake of everyone’s safety”.

as filmed being helped up after his bicycle was stolen, only for the men who aided him to then empty his rucksack.

 

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