Further eight charged Reker Ahmed attack in Croydon Published duration 4 April 2017

image caption The boy was waiting at a bus stop in Croydon with two friends when he was chased and then attacked

Eight people - including a 15-year-old boy - have appeared in court in relation to an attack on a teenage asylum seeker in south London.

Reker Ahmed, a Kurdish-Iranian boy, was chased and subjected to a "brutal attack" in Croydon on Friday night.

The assault left the 17-year-old with a bleed on his brain and a fractured eye socket and fractured spine.

A total of 13, all aged between 15 and 24, have been charged with violent disorder in relation to the attack.

All 13 defendants will appear at Croydon Crown Court on 2 May for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

image caption Police are investigating whether the group had been drinking in a nearby pub

The eight, including juveniles who cannot be named for legal reasons, are:

Kyran Evans, 23, charged with violent disorder

Ben Harman, 20, charged with violent disorder and dangerous driving

Ellie Leite, 19, charged with violent disorder

Liam Neyle, 19, charged with violent disorder

James Neves, 22, charged with violent disorder

A 17-year-old boy, charged with violent disorder and wounding with intent

A 17-year-old girl, charged with violent disorder

A 15-year-old boy, charged with violent disorder

image copyright Reuters image caption Graffiti has appeared near the scene of the attack in support of refugees

Police said about 20 people were involved in the assault on Shrublands Avenue, which happened at 23:40 BST.

The victim has started to make a recovery and it is hoped he will be moved out of intensive care soon, police said.

Officers are still trying to contact his family who they believe live in Iran.

Police said he was with two friends when he was set upon and he was not previously known to the assailants.

An online fundraising campaign for the 17 year old has raised more than £30,000.

Related Topics Croydon