Two attendees were left bleeding, and groups of masked youths questioned organisers about who was inside, as a Dussehra and Bathukamma celebration came under intimidation in West Yorkshire. Police were called, and investigations are under way.
A Hindu community celebration of Dussehra and Bathukamma at Ossett Town Hall on the evening of Saturday 17 October 2026 was disrupted by groups of youths who intimidated organisers, allegedly assaulted two attendees and tried to gather at the entrance, according to a formal statement from the event’s organisers.
Families from the Hindu community had gathered at the hall in Ossett, in the Wakefield district, to mark two of the autumn festivals, with children and young people among those inside. Organisers say the celebration was proceeding as planned until, during the evening, those stepping outside began to encounter groups behaving in a threatening and confrontational way.
Two attendees were allegedly struck as they went to collect their car. Both are reported to have been left bleeding and on the ground. West Yorkshire Police attended the venue later that night and took statements, according to the organisers.
What organisers say happened
The account below is drawn from the organisers’ formal statement, which sets out events as reported to them and asks the police to confirm the details.
- About 8:30 pm: An organiser who stepped outside met several people wearing balaclavas. They reportedly asked what was happening inside, how many people were present, and whether children and young people were attending.
- About 9:00 pm: A volunteer carrying a box out to collect plates was approached by three people on electric bikes, who questioned him about its contents. The account says they tried to attack him before riding off.
- About 9:15 pm: Two attendees leaving the event went to fetch their car after being warned it was not safe to leave with family. Around 10 yards away, they met a group of about 10 people, estimated to be aged 16 to 20. One allegedly shouted abuse and demanded to know what they were doing there. The group then allegedly attacked them without apparent provocation, striking one in the face and the other on the head. Both reportedly fell to the ground bleeding.
- About 9:30 pm: As the first call was made to police, a group of an estimated 15 to 20 young people, some on bikes, gathered outside the building. Organisers say some tried to enter, provoked security staff and made gestures towards those inside. Stewards and organisers stayed calm and waited for officers.
- From 10:01 pm: Several more people rang police over the following hour.
- About 10:30 pm: Two police officers arrived and took statements from the injured attendees.
- About 11:00 pm: Two community officers arrived and escorted attendees to their parked cars.
Motive and next steps
Organisers say they are concerned the incidents were meant to intimidate attendees or interfere with a lawful community event. They have not reached a conclusion on anyone’s motive, and have asked West Yorkshire Police to examine whether the evidence points to a hate-related or discriminatory element alongside any other offences.
In their statement, the organisers have asked the police to confirm the incidents have been recorded and issue crime reference numbers, take full statements from the two injured attendees and other witnesses, secure CCTV covering the hall and surrounding streets, and identify those involved.
They have also asked the council and venue management to record the incident, preserve any CCTV and access records, and review stewarding and access arrangements for future community events at the hall. Organisers have warned that footage may be overwritten under routine retention periods, and have urged it be preserved promptly.
Anyone who was near Ossett Town Hall on the evening of 17 October, or who has relevant footage, is urged to contact West Yorkshire Police and quote the incident reference once it is available.
