Four Arrested for Attempted Murder After Racist Attack on Filipino Ship Crew in Avonmouth

Four people have been arrested following a violent attack on three Filipino crew members of a cargo ship near Avonmouth Docks in Bristol, which police are investigating as a hate crime after reports of racist language being used against the victims.

The attack occurred on Friday evening at approximately 20:30 BST near Richmond Terrace, close to Avonmouth Docks. Emergency services were called to the scene where three Filipino nationals had been assaulted by what was described as a large group. One crew member sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital in a critical condition. A second required hospital treatment but has since been discharged, while a third suffered minor injuries.

Avon and Somerset Police arrested two men aged 19 and 45, a 17-year-old boy, all on suspicion of attempted murder, and a 38-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender. All four remain in custody.

Superintendent Deepak Kenth confirmed all three victims are Filipino nationals and that officers received reports of racist language being used. He said police are treating this as a suspected hate crime pending further information. He also confirmed that despite online speculation, injuries were not caused by a knife. He described the incident as isolated with no wider public safety risk.

The Stand Against Racism and Inequality organisation (SARI) has been made aware and is supporting the victims. Police are appealing for information from the public. The cargo ship had recently docked at Avonmouth, one of the UK's major ports near Bristol on the Severn Estuary.