Bromley councillors condemn leaflets targeting Londis shop owners

Hundreds of homes in the Eden Park area of Beckenham received leaflets over the weekend containing unsubstantiated allegations about Pritesh and Himaliben Patel. The couple has managed the Londis newsagents on Upper Elmers End Road for nearly two decades. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident as a suspected hate crime due to the messaging allegedly being racially motivated.

Pritesh Patel initially feared the family might face ostracism and be forced to close their shop and relocate. However, he described the community's support as immense, with customers visiting in large numbers to make purchases and offer well wishes. He told MyLondon that the person distributing the leaflets was "very cowardly" and expressed confidence in the police's efforts to identify them. Mr Patel added that he now feels secure, knowing the community stands with him, and is no longer worried about future incidents.

Beckenham and Penge MP Liam Conlon met with the Patels on Sunday evening to discuss their concerns. Mr Conlon stated that the leaflet constituted a targeted racial attack and has urged the Met Police to investigate it as a hate crime. Doorbell camera footage of the leaflet delivery has been provided to the police. Mr Conlon also encouraged any Eden Park residents with relevant footage who have not yet submitted it to the authorities to do so. He reported that many residents were unsettled and angry about the incident, but the response from the community has been phenomenal.

Bromley councillors Mark Amis, Michael Doble, and Chris Phillips, who represent Kelsey & Eden Park, issued a joint statement condemning the actions. They stated, "We deplore hateful actions like this using baseless untruths which lack respect for our own neighbours and the wider Beckenham community." Councillor Phillips has also met with the Patels to offer sympathy and assure them of the Eden Park community's support.