Firebomb attacks scares Asian shopkeepers

London, May 1 (UNI) Asian shopkeepers in Britain are fearing for their safety, after three firebomb attacks were made on local businesses in South London in two weeks.

One shopkeeper has died in the attacks and another has been critically injured. Police believe that the firebomber is motivated by race, rather than religion, as the victims include Muslims and Hindus from different countries.

Last Thursday, the attacker, described as black and in his thirties, was seen throwing a petrol bomb through a window of the Pricecutter store in Kennington.

The explosion set off a fierce blaze and trapped one Khizar Hayat from Kashmir, and a colleague inside the building. Mr Hayat later died from severe burns. His fellow worker, originally from Afghanistan, was in a critical condition last night in hospital. Two other men ran through the flames to safety.

Officers working at the police station opposite the shop witnessed the attack. They gave chase but failed to capture the man.

At a press conference at Scotland Yard yesterday, detectives said the attacker had been linked to a Tulse Hill newsagent.

Releasing an artist's impression of the man, Detective Superintendent Dick Heselden warned that he could strike again.

''In the absence of any other possible motive, I'm working on the basis that these are racially motivated attacks...It's my opinion that we're dealing with a serial firebomber who is targeting small Asian businesses. We are very concerned that this individual may offend again.'' Mr Hayat moved to Britain two years ago, intending to earn money to send it back to his wife and children in Mirpur after the family was left homeless by an earthquake. Police was trying to contact his family.

In the first arson attack, in Tulse Hill on April 14, the man threw a petrol bomb, made from a plastic bottle and a paper wick, on a newsagent. Six days later, police believe the same man opened the door to an off-licence in South Norwood and threw in a similar device before fleeing.

Ian Hughes, of the London Fire Brigade, said at the press conference that all shopowners should make sure they knew the quickest way to leave their premises in an emergency.

''They must ensure at all times that the means of escape are available, unblocked and people can get through them,'' he said.

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