London student attacked in Nando’s speaks out after being ‘grossly let down’ by Met Police

A woman who was victim to an “unprovoked” attack with a plate whilst working at Nando’s has spoken out about the police response to the incident.

In seven minute long video uploaded online, the waitress criticised the conduct of the Metropolitan Police who were called to the scene in Stratford, claiming that their failures were “more concerning” than the behaviour of the man who assaulted her.

Following the incident which occurred in March, the woman has since claimed she was “really disappointed and let down with what happened at the time with the police”.

Resurfaced CCTV footage of the incident went viral on X, prompting police to reopen the case which had previously been closed.

via YouTube

Speaking to the camera, the woman details what happened in the restaurant before she was struck with a dinner plate, claiming that the support she received online is likely to thank for the investigation being reopened.

The woman said: “I don’t think the situation would have garnered as much attention as it has, but the support has been overwhelming.”

She added that in relation to a lot of media coverage about violence against women, she felt it was “important” to speak about the incident: “So with all the attention that the video has gotten and seeing everything in the news about violence against women, violence against young women, the violence against girls, I think it’s important to speak up about what actually took place.”

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In the video, the woman then addressed the shortfalls of the police and described feeling “grossly let down” by their actions. She said: “Before explaining [what happened], I want to say what’s more concerning than the mass behaviour was the failure of the Metropolitan Police and their conduct.

“I was grossly let down by them. They have reopened the investigation now. Thanks for all of the support and the attention it’s been receiving online. And for that I’m grateful. However, I was really disappointed and let down with what happened at the time with the police.”

Two police officers were present at the time of the incident, with the young woman explaining on X that “they didn’t do a single thing”, resulting in her filing a formal complaint against them.

After being hit, the waitress explained how she approached one of the officers who “didn’t seem bothered” and was redirected to another officer who took the man at the hand of the incident outside.

Watching the CCTV camera from her manager’s office, the waitress could see that “the police let the man go without taking any of his details, taking any statements or watching the CCTV footage”, whilst another screen revealed that the other police officer was “having a laugh with the wife”.

Following this, the waitress alleges she was told that despite her wishes, she was “not allowed” to press charges as she would “have to go in front of a jury of 12 to convince them that she was unprovokingly attacked.”

After the incident, the man in question then told the police that the waitress had in fact “threatened to punch him in the face”, despite their considerable size difference.

via YouTube

In the video, the waitress criticised this claim and explained how she drew attention to the officers that the footage reveals there “was not enough time” for her “to have even threatened the man” before the incident took place.

In response to this, the officer allegedly told the young woman that she “couldn’t prove that” due to the lack of audio in the found footage.

After going “round in circles” and being told “invalid reasons” as to why she couldn’t press charges, the supervisor of the police officers who were complained against responded that “they’re humans and they made a mistake at work the same way you make mistakes at work.”

The woman said: “The police were present at the time, I reported it to them and they let him go without taking his details or checking the CCTV. I filed a complaint against the officers and their supervisor got back to me and essentially said ‘they’re humans and made a mistake'”.

The waitress also revealed the faults of the police’s handling of the situation was blamed on the fact they couldn’t “understand” her due to the “busyness and commotion” of the restaurant’s atmosphere.

However, a spokesperson for the Met police told the MailOnline that they are investigating why the incident was “not progressed promptly” by the present officers.

A spokesperson said: “A report of assault was made to police at time of the incident, however, it appears it was not progressed promptly by officers. We are working to establish why this happened and accept this is not the level of service Londoners should rightfully expect from the Met.

“We have since made contact with the victim and a statement has been taken- we will endeavour to keep her updated with the progress of this investigation.

“There has been no arrest and enquiries are ongoing to locate the man involved. Anyone who can provide information about this incident should call 101 ref CAD 1872/21 Aug.”

Due to the attention that the video has gained online, the police since offered the woman an apology and have reopened the investigation. With the initial footage shared online receiving over 27 million views and 387,000 likes, the woman was understandably shocked at the response, writing online in reply: “No way I’ve come onto this app and seen myself getting assaulted”.

The woman also explained in the video that her job was in order for her to be financially independent alongside her studies. She said: “This is a part time job for me. I am a uni student and this job was just to keep me financially independent.

“It is a shame that safety in a work place, especially for young women, is something that isn’t promised. Police being present also doesn’t promise you safety.”

In the video, she continued on to thank viewers for their kind messages, adding that the support she received has been “overwhelming.”

One user commented: “Its a shame it took the video to go viral before anything was done. I hope you get justice.”

In a statement, a Nando’s spokeswoman said: “This was a shocking and unprovoked attack earlier this year. We reported it to the police immediately and have supported our colleague since.

“We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour, the safety of our colleagues and customers is our priority.”

The investigation is ongoing and the man is yet to be found.

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Featured image via YouTube