Former Zutons rockstar left with bloody face after ‘abhorrent racist attack saw guitarist struck by piece of wood’
A FOUNDING member of the indie rock band The Zutons has been badly hurt in an “abhorrent” racist attack.
Guitarist Boyan Chowdhury, 46, suffered a serious head injury needing hospital treatment when he was struck by a man with a piece of wood in the Wavertree area of Liverpool just after 2pm on Saturday.
Merseyside Police said Chowdhury, who left the band in 2007, had been “racially abused” after an “altercation” with a gang of men near Fieldway.
Chowdhury said they then struck him on the head with a piece of wood while he was out.
The Zutons star, known for singles like ‘Why Won’t You Give Me Your Love?’, shared photos of his injuries on social media.
The guitarist wrote on Instagram: “If I hadn’t of turned around I believe I would’ve been struck on the back of the head and dead right now.”
Cops said the ex-Zutons star sustained a serious head injury and required hospital treatment, following the altercation.
Detective Inspector Debra Morley of Merseyside Police said: “This was a shocking assault that has absolutely no place in our communities.
“To racially abuse someone and then attack him with a weapon is abhorrent and I’m sure the public in Merseyside will be just as appalled as we are about what happened.
“An investigation is ongoing into this incident and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
“If you saw this group of males near Fieldway or witnessed the incident, then please come forward.
“Violence and hate crime will simply never be tolerated in our communities.
“We have specially trained officers who respond to reports of hate crime with compassion and sensitivity, ensuring that every piece of information is acted upon to bring offenders to justice.”
Anybody with information can contact police on their social media desk, or call 101 quoting reference 26000226633.
Anonymous information can be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via the online form.
The Zutons released three studio albums between 2004 and 2008, and celebrated nine UK Top 40 singles.
They included two Top 10 singles – Valerie (covered by Amy Winehouse) and Why Won’t You Give Me Your Love?