I am writing to you as a concerned community leader, minister of religion, and active resident of Middlesbrough, to draw your urgent attention to a deeply troubling and escalating situation that threatens the safety and dignity of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community in Middlesbrough.
A member of my community and church residing on Macbean Street, North Ormesby (TS3) has been facing repeated acts of intimidation, violence, and racial harassment, with little or delayed response from the authorities.
This situation began with a neighbor’s aggressive pitbull dog, which has been terrorizing him, including two toddlers and his wife. Despite numerous plead to the dog’s owner to keep the dog under control, there was no action in this regard. Instead, the neighbor refused to restrain the dog, allowing this threat to continue unchecked.
After the situation escalated, the police were finally called and intervened by instructing that the dog be removed from the premises. However, this initial intervention was followed by a malicious act of retaliation—my community and church member’s car was vandalized. The victim was forced to repair the damage using his insurance, which in turn affected his no-claim bonus and raised his premiums.
Two weeks later, the same group of neighbors vandalized his car again. This time, it came with a direct and chilling threat to his life and the safety of his family, including his two toddlers. I have to come in to safeguard the families to avoid another confrontation from the said neighbors till police reluctantly intervened after so much pressure from the church, community members and the black community, who kept calling. It took the presence and persistent pressure from church members and the wider black community to urge the police to respond again, a response that was delayed and only came reluctantly.
Worryingly, the street’s CCTV was not operational, which significantly hindered the investigation and made it easier for the perpetrators to evade accountability. This speaks to a larger issue of neglect and under-resourcing in communities where immigrants predominantly reside.
This is not an isolated incident.
In a separate and equally disturbing event, another black man was recently brutally beaten near James Cook Hospital. His only ‘offense’ was legally parking his vehicle in a public car park, a facility funded by taxpayers—Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. His attackers accused him of parking in a place “meant for white people.” This incident was clearly racially motivated. It raises a disturbing question—when did public car parks become racially segregated in Middlesbrough?
These patterns of xenophobic and racially motivated aggression, coupled with the apparent inaction or slow response from local law enforcement, are creating an unsafe, hostile environment for immigrants and BAME residents. When victims are left unprotected and perpetrators feel emboldened, the result is growing fear, resentment, and the looming threat of communities taking justice into their own hands in self-defense.
As a pastor, community leader and advocate, I have always encouraged peace, lawful conduct, and dialogue. But the current trajectory is dangerous. We are at a critical juncture where the silence and passivity of institutions risk emboldening hate and eroding public trust in the systems meant to protect all residents, regardless of their background.
Therefore, I appeal to you directly as the Mayor of Middlesbrough:
- Intervene in this specific case to ensure the safety of the affected family and bring those responsible for the threats and vandalism to justice.
- Audit and repair all non-functioning CCTV systems, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods like North Ormesby.
- Hold local police accountable for delayed responses and perceived indifference to racially motivated crimes.
- Reaffirm the Council’s commitment to the safety and inclusion of BAME residents through public statements and concrete actions.
In a proactive move to raise awareness and foster unity, I will be hosting a live public program this Saturday 31st of May, 2025, focused on immigrant rights, community safety, and anti-racism in Middlesbrough. I would be honored if you could attend to reassure the BAME community that their lives, dignity, and contributions are valued and protected in this town.
We need leadership that acts—not just speaks—in defense of justice, equality, and the shared peace of our diverse community. I trust in your office to rise to this occasion.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Yours sincerely,
Prophet Titilayo Femi Kings
Senior Pastor, Christ Apostolic Church Kingsrealm, Advocate for the BAME Community