Family of Polish man killed in possible hate crime 'extremely devastated'
Video report by ITV News Correspondent Angus Walker
The family of a Polish man killed in a possible hate crime told how they are "extremely devastated" by their loss as they paid tribute to him.
Arkadiusz Jozwik and another Polish man were set upon in what Essex Police believe was an unprovoked attack, outside a row of takeaway shops in Harlow.
Following the attack at around 11.35pm on Saturday night, the 40-year-old died from head injuries on Monday.
Earlier on Wednesday Harlow MP Robert Halfon and Polish ambassador Arkady Rzegocki visited the scene of the attack.
Essex Police said that one line of investigation is that it was a hate crime.
Speaking at the scene Mr Halfon said that people who use the Brexit result to pursue their personal racist agendas "literally come from the sewers".
A 43-year-old man, who is also from Harlow, and was injured in the attack has been discharged from hospital after being treated for suspected hand fractures and bruising to his stomach.
Mr Rzegocki added that on the whole the experiences of Polish people in the UK were good, but added that there had been an increase in xenophobia following the EU referendum.
The ambassador added that a march of silence would be held on Saturday, and that now was the time for cooperation and support for Mr Jozwik's family and the community.
Following the Brexit vote there has been an increase in reported hate crimes, with them peaking the day after the referendum.
More than 3,000 hate crimes and incidents were reported to police forces around the country in the second half of June - an increase of 42% for the same period last year.
Harlow has one of the highest concentrations of EU nationals from eastern Europe - roughly one in 17 residents - of all local authorities in England and Wales.
On Wednesday evening locals will gather at the scene of the attack to show solidarity with the Polish community.
Five 15-year-old boys and a 16-year-old have been arrested on suspicion of murder and released on police bail until October 7.
Anyone with information about assault is asked to contact the Harlow Major Investigation Team on 101. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org