Bromley Londis owners targeted in suspected hate crime leaflets

Hundreds of leaflets containing unsubstantiated allegations were distributed in Beckenham over the weekend, targeting a local Londis store and its owners. Pritesh and Himaliben Patel, who have managed the Londis on Upper Elmers End Road in Eden Park for nearly two decades, were the subject of the material posted through letterboxes.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident as a suspected hate crime. Doorbell camera footage capturing the individual distributing the leaflets has been handed over to the authorities.

Community Support and MP Intervention

Beckenham and Penge MP Liam Conlon met with the Patel family on Sunday evening. He described the leaflet distribution as a targeted racial attack and has urged the Met Police to treat the incident as a hate crime. Mr Conlon has also encouraged any Eden Park residents who possess doorbell footage of the distributor to submit it to the police.

Mr Conlon stated that many residents in Eden Park have expressed feeling unsettled and angry following the incident. He noted the phenomenal response from the community, with significant support shown for the Patel family.

Pritesh Patel expressed initial fears of his family being ostracised and potentially having to close their shop. However, he described the community's support as immense, with customers visiting in large numbers to make purchases and offer well wishes. Mr Patel stated that the overwhelming support has made him feel secure and less worried about future incidents.

Local councillors Mark Amis, Michael Doble, and Chris Phillips, who represent Kelsey & Eden Park, issued a joint statement condemning the actions. They described the leaflets as hateful and based on baseless untruths, lacking respect for neighbours and the wider Beckenham community. Councillor Phillips also met with the Patels to offer sympathy and reassurance of community backing.