Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Asian widow says racist campaign left her 'mentally unwell'

Kumudini Nicola has endured harassment, including dog waste left on her doorstep, vandalism, and thefts from her garden.

Asian widow says racist campaign left her 'mentally unwell'

AN Asian widow in Darlington said that she has been living in constant fear due to ongoing anti-social behaviour and suspected racist abuse.

Since moving into her council house three years ago, Kumudini Nicola has endured harassment, including dog waste left on her doorstep, vandalism, and thefts from her garden.


The 58-year-old has reported the incidents to the police and Darlington Borough Council, but the abuse continues.

"I can’t go out now. I am scared all the time," she told the BBC, recounting incidents where she was verbally abused about her skin colour and had someone urinate in her garden while laughing.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Kumudini has four children and has been living alone since her husband's death in 2017. The persistent abuse has severely impacted her health, causing high blood pressure and mental distress, leading her to contemplate suicide.

"My blood pressure is really high and my hands are shaking all the time. I’ve got mental problems now. I can’t sleep," she was quoted as saying.

"Sometimes I am thinking about suicide."

Despite the council's claims of taking action, a BBC investigation revealed that councils in north-east England received over 31,000 reports of anti-social behaviour in 2023 but issued penalties in fewer than 1 per cent of cases.

Darlington Borough Council said, "We can confirm we have followed up on issues raised by the tenant and taken action where appropriate. Investigations are ongoing and we continue to work with the tenant.

"We take all reports of anti-social behaviour, racism and hate incidents very seriously. We use the whole range of powers and tools available to us as a landlord, taking appropriate, swift, and proportionate action when necessary.

"We aim to strike a balance between prevention, early intervention, support, and enforcement."

The charity ASB Help criticised the inadequate use of legislation meant to tackle such behaviour, highlighting that victims are being failed by those who should protect them.

A Labour Home Office spokesperson emphasised their commitment to addressing anti-social behaviour, including plans for 13,000 new neighbourhood police and community support officers.

More For You

Minouche Shafik

Shafik served as deputy governor for markets and banking at the Bank of England between August 2014 and February 2017.

Reuters

Starmer appoints Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser in reshuffle

Highlights:

  • Minouche Shafik named chief economic adviser to Keir Starmer.
  • Darren Jones moves into Downing Street role; James Murray replaces him.
  • Wider reshuffle includes changes in Starmer’s private office and communications.
  • Appointment comes ahead of a budget expected to include further tax rises.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has named Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser. The appointment comes as he looks to strengthen his team ahead of what is expected to be a difficult end to the year.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi putin

Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.

X/@narendramodi

Six key takeaways from the SCO summit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.

Modi pressed for ending the Ukraine conflict at the earliest, reaffirmed India’s long-standing ties with Russia, and discussed trade and border issues with Xi.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghanistan earthquake

Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

Afghanistan earthquake kills more than 800, thousands injured

A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.

The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ganpati festival

The Ganpati festival celebrates Ganesha as the god of new beginnings, and the god of wisdom and intelligence. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Hindu community centre in London damaged in fire after Ganapati Visarjan event

A HINDU community centre in east London caught fire on Saturday evening, causing major damage to the building. The London Fire Brigade brought the fire under control and confirmed that no injuries were reported.

The incident took place at the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road in Ilford, which had been decorated for a Ganapati Visarjan event attended by members of the Hindu community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi ,Xi & Putin

Narendra Modi talks with Vladimir Putin and Xi jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin on September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

SCO declaration slams Pahalgam attack, calls for united action on terror

Highlights:

  • SCO condemns terror attack in Pahalgam and echoes India’s stance on “double standards”.
  • Leaders call for justice for perpetrators of attacks in Pahalgam and Balochistan.
  • Declaration criticises Israeli military strikes in Gaza causing civilian casualties.
  • SCO stresses UN’s central role in global counter-terrorism strategy.

THE SHANGHAI Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Monday condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and agreed with India’s position that “double standards” in tackling terrorism are not acceptable.

Keep ReadingShow less