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Sunday, 5 May, 2002, 19:05 GMT 20:05 UK
Father injured in 'racist attack'
West Yorkshire Police logo
Mr Bergan was struck in the head by a rock
A man was left with a fractured skull after what police called a "racist attack" in Bradford.

Matthew Bergan, 32, was walking home with his two sons in the Lidget Green area of the city.

On Sunday West Yorkshire Police said two Asian men shouted racist abuse and hurled stones at him as he made his way through a cemetery.

Realising his sons' safety could be at risk Mr Bergan sent them home on their own.


They threw stones the size of cricket balls at him which hit his chest and legs

West Yorkshire Police
After they had gone a rock hit Mr Bergan, fracturing his skull and causing heavy bleeding.

But despite the blow he managed to chase his attackers away.

Mr Bergan was treated in Bradford Royal Infirmary, after the attack on Thursday.

A police spokesman said: "At about 2030 BST the victim Matthew Bergan was walking through Scholemoor Cemetry in Bradford with his two sons, aged 8 and 12.

"Two Asian youths approached him and began shouting racist remarks and bad language.

"They threw stones the size of cricket balls at him which hit his chest and legs.

"He told them to go away but then one of the two suspects threw a large stone which struck him on the forehead, causing a cut and a fractured skull."

Police are now appealing for an elderly couple who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.


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