‘We are scared’: London drivers deliver a protest against acid attacks to UK parliament

London delivery drivers led by Jabed Hussain, who was the victim of an acid attack last week, have held a noisy protest outside the UK parliament demanding protection from violence.

Hundreds of motorcycle and moped riders, who say they fear for their safety while working, brought traffic around Parliament Square to a standstill with their vehicles on Tuesday.

They say the attack on Hussain, who had his scooter stolen in one of five alleged acid-throwing incidents in east London on Thursday night, reflects an environment in which they and their vehicles are constantly targeted.

“We are scared. [The] government’s not taking enough action, [the] government’s not providing enough police,” said Hussain, who organised the demonstration. “I am a victim of an acid attack, I don’t want anyone else to experience the feeling of it. I felt fire on my face [...] Who is going to give us our dignity? I want to ask the prime minister, who is sleeping [on the job] right now.”

Hussain said many delivery drivers were refusing to work after 8pm because they did not feel safe and many were considering leaving the job even if they had to “live on the streets”. He promised more demonstrations if drivers were not listened to. “This has happened so many times, that’s why all the drivers are angry.” he said.

Delivery drivers, some wearing the distinctive liveries of their employers, tooted their horns, revved their engines, and chanted: “No more acid attacks.” They blocked off the north side of Parliament Square with their vehicles and marched around the square holding a large banner, which read: “Stop acid attacks, bike theft, motorcycle crime.”

Wellington Silveira, 33, originally from Brazil, said he had been in London working as a delivery driver for about 10 years, but that things had deteriorated to the extent that he was thinking of moving out of the city.