Reward announced after attacks on British-Pakistani Conservative politicians

LONDON: Conservative politician Umer Farooq has announced a £50,000 reward for information that helps identify those responsible for attacks on his family home and business in Hounslow, West London.

According to the reported details, the home of Farooq and fellow Conservative politician Tariq Aziz was targeted when bricks were thrown through both upstairs and downstairs windows. The attack caused significant damage and left family members, including children, badly shaken. The family said several relatives narrowly avoided serious injury as bricks landed close to them inside the house. A car parked outside the property was also destroyed.

Within a day of the attack on the house, Farooq’s airline ticketing business was also targeted in what he described as a separate firebombing incident. The business, which provides airline tickets for Pakistan, the Middle East and other international destinations, suffered major damage to the front of the premises.

CCTV footage, shows a black car stopping outside the office before a masked man got out, poured petrol on a vehicle and set it on fire before fleeing. The flames engulfed the front entrance of the office, while video footage showed a large blaze outside the building. Farooq said the fire brigade reached the scene within 15 minutes and managed to put out the fire before it spread further.

Farooq described the incident as a planned and professional attack and said those behind it had used a stolen car. He said the damage was extensive and added that the timely arrival of firefighters prevented even greater destruction.

Political tensions after local elections

The attacks were reported against the backdrop of increased political tension after recent local council elections in Britain. Labour suffered major losses nationwide, giving up nearly 1,500 council seats. In Hounslow, where there is a sizeable Pakistani and Asian population, Labour remained in control of the council but its majority was reduced after it lost 20 seats.

Local Conservative supporters said tensions rose after Pakistani and Asian candidates campaigned strongly for their parties and the Conservatives made gains in areas previously regarded as Labour strongholds. They alleged that some local Labour figures were linked to hostility and intimidation, although no public evidence has been presented establishing responsibility for the attacks.

Farooq said the incidents had put his life and the lives of his family members at risk, and he criticised local police, saying they had not provided sufficient protection despite the seriousness of the attacks. "No family should have to live in fear in their own home," he said urging the public to assist the investigation.

He appealed to anyone with information to come forward and help police identify those involved.

Community reaction and police response

Local Pakistani community leader and businessman Nisar Malik condemned the violence and said political rivalry, intimidation and attacks on families had no place in Hounslow or in any democratic society. He called on political parties to address their differences peacefully and urged police to act.

Police said they were investigating the attacks and had collected evidence. The local Labour Party said it had no connection to the incidents.