A father was viciously attacked and left with permanent facial scars after being ambushed by muggers in Perry Barr while returning home from work. The brutal assault, which occurred near the junction of Wellington Road and Willmore Road at around 9:40 pm on April 2, was carried out in an attempt to steal his mobile phone.
The victim, Imad, a refugee from Syria, was stabbed through the cheek and across his face in a terrifying robbery that has left him traumatised and requiring ongoing mental health support. His family revealed the incident has had a devastating impact on him.
“He was heading to catch the bus after finishing a painting job when he was suddenly attacked,” said his 18-year-old daughter. “All they wanted was his phone.”
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Originally from Syria, Imad and his family were resettled in the UK under the refugee program. Since arriving, Imad has worked tirelessly to support his wife Hala and their four children aged six to 20, with the older daughters pursuing their studies.
Following the attack, Imad was rushed to hospital where he received multiple stitches to treat the deep, painful wound across his cheek and nose. The scars remain visible, a permanent reminder of the violent encounter.
The family’s journey has been fraught with challenges beyond the attack. After being evicted from private rented accommodation in Erdington last year, Birmingham City Council relocated them to a property in Wolverhampton. However, damp and mould issues in this property have severely affected their youngest son Adam’s health, aggravating his asthma and requiring multiple hospital visits this year.
West Midlands Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, having reviewed CCTV footage and appealed to the public for information. Anyone with details about the attack is urged to contact police via their website live chat or by calling 101, quoting reference 20/200988/26.
The family hopes that the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly so Imad can begin to heal from this traumatic ordeal.