Terrifying video shows Bradford dad attacked by pickaxe thugs ‘for converting from Islam to Christianity’

A FATHER-of-six was attacked by hooded thugs with a pickaxe handle outside his Bradford home because he converted from Islam to Christianity.

By The Newsroom Thursday, 19th November 2015, 1:46 pm

CCTV that shows Nissar Hussain being beaten up outside his house in Bradford. Pictures: Ross Parry Agency

Nissar Hussain, 49, suffered a broken kneecap, a fractured forearm and a concussion in the attack on Tuesday.

He is currently in Bradford Royal Infirmary following surgery after the unprovoked assault outside his home in Manningham.

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The episode was caught on Mr Hussain’s home CCTV and is being reviewed by West Yorkshire Police, who have confirmed they are treating it as a religious hate crime.

Mr Hussain went outside at around 5pm to move his car outside Lawcroft House Police Station, which he has been forced to do after his vehicle has been damaged over six times in a year.

He was attacked by two men, who suddenly stopped their car on the other side of the road and got out to begin the assault. One man used pickaxe handle, while the other rained on Mr Hussain with a number of punches and kicks.

The men were only stopped when Mr Hussain’s neighbours chased them away.

Mr Hussain, a professional landlord, said: “I felt like I was holding on for dear life,

CCTV that shows Nissar Hussain being beaten up outside his house in Bradford. Pictures: Ross Parry Agency

“It all happened so fast that I was unable to react. I remember just walking out of the gate and putting my foot off the kerb. Next thing I saw was a pickaxe coming towards me.

“On instinct I tried to cover my head with my arms but the force of the blow knocked me back and my heel clipped the kerb to send me to the ground.

“I also hit my head on the wall which gave me a concussion but I was still conscious. I continued to block their shots to my head with my arms while on the ground but as soon as they realized that, they just began attacking my legs.”

In 2008 Mr Hussain and his family appeared in a Channel 4 documentary about the mistreatment of Muslim converts.

CCTV that shows Nissar Hussain being beaten up outside his house in Bradford. Pictures: Ross Parry Agency

He claims he has been subjected to a tirade of abuse and threats.

Police have been called out on a number of occasions over the years but this is the first time they have classed an incident a religious hate crime.

He said: “We are classed as blasphemers by some members the Muslim community. They call scum and treat us as second-class citizens. I still do not regret speaking out in the documentary as this is an issue for converts up and down the country. I should not have to be concerned for my own safety as well as my family. These people are leaving us with no human dignity.

“We have been looking to move for a long time now but we should not be subjected to such abuse by certain individuals in this community.”

CCTV that shows Nissar Hussain being beaten up outside his house in Bradford. Pictures: Ross Parry Agency

Det Insp Andy Howard of Bradford District CID, said initial investigations suggested is was a targeted attack.

Witnesses should call 101 and quote reference number 13150 471087.

CCTV that shows Nissar Hussain being beaten up outside his house in Bradford. Pictures: Ross Parry Agency

CCTV that shows Nissar Hussain being beaten up outside his house in Bradford. Pictures: Ross Parry Agency