The Sikh community of Slough has said that they will ‘not tolerate attacks’ following the hospitalisation of an ‘elderly man’.

The incident occurred at around 7 pm on Tuesday, November 21 in Langley Memorial Park.

A man in his fifties was walking through the park when he was approached by a group of boys who tried to grab the victim’s beard.

Police reported that all of the boys circled the victim kicking him, pulling him to the ground, and continuing to kick him.

The group left in the direction of Marish School.

The offenders were described as 'teenage boys, around 13 to 16 years old'.

After the incident, the victim sustained three broken ribs and swelling and cuts to his hand.

The Slough temple - Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha – released an ‘important release’ and a plea on their social media page.

They said: “Singh Sabha Slough Sevadaars have been made aware of an attack on an elderly Sikh man at about 7pm on Tuesday (November 21) in Langley Memorial Park.”

The group reiterated the police appeal following the initial news to contact the force if anyone witnessed the attack or had any further information.

In a post on Monday, November 27 the group said: “This is a request to anyone with information on this attack to please get in touch with us. We will provide the Sangat with further updates as and when we get them.

“We as a Gurdwara will not tolerate any such attacks on our Sikh community in Slough.”

Thames Valley Police have confirmed after investigations that the attack on the Sikh man in his fifties was a hate crime.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Holly Baxter, based at Slough police station, said: “We are currently conducting further patrols in the area and anyone with concerns should speak to a uniformed officer or contact us by calling 101 or via our website.

“We take all reports of hate crime seriously as we know that they have a devastating impact on individual victims and targeted communities.

Members of the Slough community have commented on the post by Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha.

One commenter said: “Must be the kids who live around. I know for sure police won’t do anything. [The] only way to find those kids is that elders identify them.”

Another added: “How very sad. I hope the young lads get caught! And that the guy makes a full recovery.”

The man has been discharged from hospital after the attack.