November 22, 2000 20:25: A West Drayton family may be forced to flee from their home after a spree of racial attacks has them fearing for their lives.

The latest attack occurred last Tuesday, when youths doused their North Road address in petrol and attempted to set it on fire. Petrol was also poured on a car parked in the driveway.

The four family members were all indoors at the time, though luckily only minor damage was inflicted on the front door of the house and the car.

Although the flames did not catch, police say luck alone saved the intended victims, two brothers and two sisters, from death or serious injury.

The attack was the latest of several in recent months which have horrified the house occupants, whose ages range from 17 to 27.

One of the victims, who did not wish to be identified, said she and her siblings were at breaking point.

"We just cannot go on. Something has to be done about this," she said.

In previous attacks, missiles have been hurled at vehicles belonging to the family, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. The victim said a number of other Asian families in the street had also fallen prey to racial attacks and had since moved out.

"I have never heard of a place like this. We are all so scared. These people can do whatever they want, and they just don't care."

She said she believed a group of youths were responsible for the attacks and she fears they are becoming more serious.

"They warned me they would wreck my car and torch my house. They've done that, and now they have said they will get me."

The woman, 22, stated that while she would love to see her attackers bought to justice, she is uncertain about the future of those close to her.

"I am trying to stand up to them, but I am scared of being hurt. The police have advised us to move but we don't want to leave our house, because then they could do anything to it, and we don't know where to go."

A police statement said that a number of measures had been taken in partnership with the council to protect the family.

The victim said alternative accommodation had been offered by the council but they were not able to pay a mortgage and a second rent.

The family have lived at the property for 16 years and have strong emotional ties there. They are at odds about whether to leave their home to the mercy of the thugs.

"We all grew up here. Our mother died here last year, and so did our father six years ago. We now share the house and we don't want to leave, we want to be protected."

Hillingdon Police have linked last week's arson with an earlier racist assault and they are looking for two white youths as suspects.

Police have also offered a reward for any information, which can be as high as £5,000 upon conviction.

They are particularly interested in speaking to a man who called at West Drayton police station at lunchtime the day after the attack and gave anonymous information regarding youths acting suspiciously near to the property.

Those with information are asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the West Drayton Community Safety Unit on 8246 1766.

By.Kent Milburn