Soton Uni lecturer assaulted in ‘racist’ attack whilst jogging in the city

He said he doesn’t feel ‘safe’ in the city and is considering ‘going back to China’


A University of Southampton lecturer was assaulted in a ‘racist’ attack by four men whilst jogging in Woolston.

Dr Peng Wang, a Financial Management lecturer, was taken to hospital after the attack on Tuesday afternoon, where they treated him for injuries to his shoulder and face, The Daily Echo reports.

The four men were reportedly in a car when they started shouting abuse at Dr Wang before proceeding to get out and started punching and kicking him to the ground.

Dr Wang is now recovering well at home with his wife and two-year-old son.

Police were called and an investigation has been launched to determine the nature of the incident. Dr Wang, 37, who is originally from China believes the attack was racially motivated but the police investigation is still ongoing.

Dr Wang told the Daily Echo: “It’s really bad. I started living in Southampton in 2014, and I would say the threat is real. You’re just jogging and then some crazy people come and do this. They were shouting racist words. It’s terrible.

“I feel upset and I’m even thinking of going back to China because of this hostile environment. I don’t feel it’s safe. I take my son out on the weekend and now I only dare to take him to places where I can meet more people.”

A university spokesperson told the Daily Echo that the incident was “appalling and unprovoked” and that the they are “extremely concerned” by the attack.

“Our colleague is receiving support from the University and we will continue to liaise closely with the police.

“We would urge all of our students and staff to come forward and report any racist incident they witness or personally experience.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 with reference number 44210068580.