Cromer in CHAOS: Group of 40 travellers 'run riot at restaurant' as police do NOTHING
A FURIOUS boss has claimed a group of travellers caused chaos in his restaurant – and hapless police did nothing to stop them.
Police Chief says its unfair to blame disruption in Cromer on travellers
Nashim Uddin said around 40 travellers intimidated other diners at his Indian restaurant Masala Twist in Cromer, Norfolk.
They are alleged to have stolen drinks and argued with Mr Uddin during a dramatic bust-up.
But he claims police officers stood by and failed to stop the chaotic scenes on Saturday night because they were outnumbered.
Police could have done a lot more, it is just not good enough
Cromer was placed on lockdown over the weekend, with several shops, pubs and restaurants shutting early after outbreaks of violence.
Courageous Mr Uddin said he pushed the group in the restaurant away, backed up by his wife and nephew.
He said: "Police could have done a lot more. It is just not good enough."
Nashim Uddin said around 40 travellers intimidated other diners at his restaurant
The angry restaurant owner said his wife Ayrun Nessa-Uddin had her arm slammed in the door.
Her arm is bruised and swollen and she has been unable to sleep properly since she was attacked, he added.
But speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, he vowed: "I wouldn't let people like that intimidate me in to closing."
They argued with Mr Uddin during a dramatic bust-up at Masala Twist in Cromer
One of Mr Uddin's waiters, Jamil Ahmed, said: "There were three police cars parked outside at a nearby car park.
"I ran over to the police cars and asked them to come over and help.
"When they came over, about five or six of them, they came into the restaurant and asked me to point out who ordered the drink initially.
"I walked through a lot of them pointing out who, only to turn around and find that they are stood in a corner and they didn't have my back."
Masala Twist was one of the few places still open in Cromer on Saturday night
He said the police were "heavily outnumbered", adding: "I asked them where all the back-up is and they said this is the entire Norfolk police that is coming.
"I could hear the police dog barking and I asked can't you bring the dog out.
"But they said they are outnumbered and if it kicks off the dog will get injured. I was really angry at this point."
Masala Twist was one of the few places still open in Cromer on Saturday night
Masala Twist was one of the few places still open in Cromer on Saturday night as fear took hold.
Deputy Chief Constable Nick Dean visited Mr Uddin yesterday on a fact-finding mission as fury grew in the seaside resort.
Mr Dean said: "In general the owner is very supportive of police. We just need to review how we dealt with that incident."
Police recorded a total of 37 incidents in Cromer from Friday afternoon through to Sunday.
Police recorded 37 incidents in Cromer from Friday afternoon through to Sunday
Officers had been reluctant to link the trouble to the travellers, causing further anger in Cromer.
But yesterday Mr Dean said: "An influx of the travelling community in Cromer led to an increase in low level disorder and thefts and the events that we know about."
He said "a large proportion" of incidents were related to travellers but it would be wrong to say they all were.
Mr Dean added: "What I want to be really careful of is not labelling the whole of the travelling community in terms of this disorder."