Five people accused of being part of a vicious 30-strong gang that left a teenage asylum seeker with a fractured spine and brain haemorrhage appeared in court yesterday (April, 3)

They are accused of attacking 17-year-old Recker Ahmed as he waited at a bus-stop in what was described as a brutal "unprovoked" and "random" attack .

The court heard how 30 people chased Iranian-Kurdi in Shrubland Avenue in Shirley while he was waiting at a bus stop with two friends outside The Goat pub.

Recker is currently in an intensive care unit in a serious but stable condition.

His two friends, Dilahad Mohammed an Iraqi Kurd, and Hamo Ahmed Mustafa, both adults, were also chased by the group who, the court heard, stole Mr Ahmed's watch and two gold chains after beating him.

George Walder, 20, of Myrtle Road, Croydon, is charged with violent disorder and racially aggravated GBH.

Brother and sister Daryl Davis, 20, and Danyelle Davis, 24, both of Laurel Crescent, Croydon, as well as Barry Potts, 20, of Fir Tree Gardens, and George Walder's brother Jack, 24, of Myrtle Road, all in Croydon, are charged with violent disorder.

Jacqui Hughes, prosecuting, said: "This appeared to be an unprovoked and motiveless attack based solely on his ethnicity."

Describing the injuries to Recker, she added: "He's at Kings College Hospital and his injuries included a fractured spine, a fractured eye socket and a bleed to the brain.

"He was in a life-threatening condition but has now been taken out of intensive care."

District Judge Howgood remanded George Walder in custody until the next court appearance at Croydon Crown Court on May 1.

The rest were released on bail on the condition they do not contact each other and wear an electronic tag so they can't go out between 7pm and 9am.

Jack Walder wore a black tracksuit and had a neck tattoo, George Walder had a beige tracksuit and wiped away tears as he walked into the dock and saw his family in the public gallery.

Danyelle Davis, who is in a relationship with Potts, wept in the dock throughout the hearing.

UPDATE (APRIL 3): 

The total number of arrests in the investigation is now 16.

Seven were arrested today (April 3).

Previously six had been arrested on April 1 and three on April 2.

Two more people have been charged - a 17-year-old girl from Croydon, and 25-year-old Kyran Evans, of Shrubland Avenue - bringing the total charged to seven.

Seven of those arrested remain in custody at this time.

Two people have been released with no further action.

UPDATE (APRIL 4):

 Two more people have been arrested, a 17-year-old girl,from Croydon  and Kyran Evans of Shrublands Avenue.

Both have  been charged with violent disorder.

They remain in custody.