Police appeal for witnesses after attack on Owen Jones

POLICE ARE searching for evidence after a premeditated attack on Owen Jones left the campaigning journalist hurt but not intimidated.

Jones was with five friends in the Lexington pub in Pentonville Road, Islington on Friday evening – leaving at around 2am on Saturday morning, 17th August. According to Jones, the group came out of the pub and went a few yards down the road before saying their good-byes in order to head to their homes.

The group were around 30 metres from the pub when a group or three or four men left the pub and made straight for Jones – kicking him in the back, throwing him to the ground, slamming his head on the pavement and kicking him in the skull. Jones’s friends came to his defence – and were then punched by the attackers, who then made off.

Because of the way that the gang made straight for him, Jones has no doubt that this was a premeditated attack. What remains to be clarified is the motive. Jones believes it may be political and has admitted that he has had many threats from far right groups – in increasing numbers recently.

Jones insists that he will not let the attack intimidate him and will go on speaking out, especially on equalities issues. Jones is a strong supporter Jeremy Corbyn and has long campaigned for gay rights. He has also spoken out against imperialist wars, not least the Blair complicity in the attack on Iraq, and has taken a strong stance against Islamophobia – which he has described as a crucial issue on which the left should campaign.

Owen has received widespread sympathy and support – from Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbot and staff at the Lexington pub as well as many individuals who are appalled at the targetted attack.

Police are looking through CCTV footage and have asked for any witnesses to contact them.

•Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the attack or the attackers, or has any other information about the incident, is asked to contact Islington police via 101 and quote reference CRIS 2720815/19. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

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