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Ten men from the local British Pakistani and British Bangladeshi communities face lengthy prison sentences after a mother and daughter were forced to leap from a window to escape a targeted "revenge" firebombing.
The conviction of 23-year-old Shakil Uddin and nine other defendants marks the conclusion of an intensive investigation into a targeted arson attack that left a 31-year-old woman with 65% burns. The group, which includes several individuals of British Pakistani and British Bangladeshi heritage, launched the assault on a property in Beverley Drive, Bentilee, following a violent street brawl earlier that day. Legal proceedings confirmed that the suspects sought out the property to settle a score after Kashif Ahmed was stabbed during a mass fight in Longton involving Naveed Hussain, Bilal Ahmed, and Ali Abbas.
Violent Chain of Events and Identity of the Convicted
The escalating violence began with a broad-daylight clash on Kildare Street, where multiple men of South Asian descent were involved in a confrontation that resulted in a hospital visit for one of the participants. Hours later, the group descended upon the residential home, smashing windows and pouring petrol into the hallway. Among those found guilty of various charges—ranging from attempted murder to arson with intent—are Shakil Uddin, Riyadh Iqbal, and Lukman Khan. The group’s composition reflects a specific demographic intersection within the local community, with defendants like Muhammad Sufyaan-Shah and Tayyeb Majeed also linked to the conspiracy that nearly cost two lives.
Critical Injuries and the Path to Sentencing
The victims’ escape was nothing short of miraculous; the mother, who was set on fire during the intrusion, suffered a broken pelvis and internal injuries alongside her extensive burns, while her 13-year-old daughter sustained significant burns to her limbs. Both victims were treated at specialist units in Birmingham, where the mother spent two months in a medically induced coma. Following the 11-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court, the focus now shifts to the sentencing phase, where a judge will determine the duration of the custodial terms for the ten men. Police have indicated that the extensive use of digital forensics and CCTV was pivotal in dismantling the group's defense and proving the premeditated nature of the "revenge" motive.
Community Impact and Future Legal Actions
The case has sent shockwaves through the Stoke-on-Trent area, highlighting the devastating consequences of localized feuds within specific communal circles. As the court prepares for the final sentencing hearing, authorities are emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward such extreme vigilantism. The next steps in the legal process will involve victim impact statements being read in court, which are expected to detail the lifelong medical and psychological support the mother and daughter will require.
