More than a hundred protesters gathered in Hayes to demonstrate against anti-Sikh hate crimes, and demand justice for the killing of Kirandeep Kaur.
They marched around Kaur’s former neighbourhood in Hayes, expressing anger towards a rise in attacks on the Sikh community.
24-year-old Kaur was killed after a man allegedly broke into her home and stabbed her to death as she slept in bed with her husband and three-month-old baby, a court heard on Thursday.
Police have arrested and charged a 46-year-old man, named Daniel Sean James, with Kaur’s murder.
Narinder Kaur described Kaur’s death as a ‘tragedy’. Credit: ITV News
“A woman being killed in her bed – I think that’s the most shocking thing I’ve heard in a long time,” said Narinder Kaur, who attended the protest.
“I think for the Sikh community, enough is enough.
“We’re just really sad. This is a tragedy.”
Kirandeep Kaur was fatablly stabbed while sleeping next to her husband and three-year-old baby, a court heard. Credit: Family handout
Many attendees at the protest blamed far-right politicians and rhetoric for the rise in anti-Sikh attacks.
The Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, John McDonnell, attended the protest.
“This is an absolute tragedy – it’s shocked the whole community,” he said.
“But the whole community has come together in solidarity.
“People of the Sikh community have felt particularly at risk, but people of all denominations have arrived here in support.”
Hundreds of people are expected to gather in Hayes again on Sunday, to hold a candlelit vigil in Kirandeep’s memory.
From Westminster to Washington DC – our political experts are across all the latest key talking points. Listen to the latest episode below…