Hillingdon Reform leader condemned for 'stoking hatred' after machete attack

The leader of Reform UK in Hillingdon has been accused of "stoking hatred" after a social media comment posted following a machete attack in west London.

Cllr Sophie Dror, leader of the opposition Reform group on Hillingdon Council, has accepted responsibility for the comment but rejected claims it amounted to an attempt to inflame tensions within the community.

The row stems from a discussion in a local Facebook group following the attack at Cowley Recreation Ground in Uxbridge on September 25, which saw a man in his 50s taken to hospital and two teenagers arrested.

Under a post about the incident, an account associated with Cllr Dror, named Reform Yiewsley Councillors, replied: "import the 3rd world you get the 3rd world".

The comment was posted in response to another group member's remark referring to the "usual suspects". However, the Metropolitan Police said no information about the ethnicity or nationality of those arrested had been released.

Labour group leader Cllr Stuart Mathers condemned the comment, accusing Reform councillors of speculating about the background of those involved in the attack.

He said: "This is an awful crime in broad daylight. Our thoughts are firstly with the victim and his family.

"This is now a police matter and we expect those responsible to be brought to justice.

"We are appalled that the Reform councillors are speculating [on] the ethnicity on Facebook. The police have not revealed any details at this stage. Stoking hatred in our communities is not helpful in keeping our residents safe."

The Facebook comment attracted criticism

Facebook / LDRS

The comment was later removed from the Facebook group. Cllr Dror said she did not delete it and could not say why it had been taken down.

She insisted the remark was intended as part of a broader debate about immigration policy rather than a reference to the Cowley attack or the identity of the suspects.

Cllr Dror said: "I can confirm that the comment was made by myself. However, it was intended to be about a wider discussion about unsuitable immigration policies and mass migration.

"It was not intended to refer to, or make any assertion about, the ethnicity or nationality of the suspects involved in the Cowley incident."

She added that accusations of "stoking hatred" were a "very serious allegation" and said political debate about immigration should not be misconstrued as an attempt to incite hostility.

Emergency services were called to Cowley Recreation Ground, near Uxbridge High Street, at about 2.40pm on September 25 following reports of an altercation.

Two teenagers were arrested in connection with the incident and have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said any claims about the ethnicity or nationality of those involved were "speculation".