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 The BBC's Richard Bilton"Chris Cotter's family have condemned the gang"  real 28k  Joe and Hilda Cotter'We're still really shocked by it' real 28k Joe Cotter"It makes you realise how dangerous life is today"  real 28kMike O'Brien, Home Office Minister"It's an appallling incident and I condemn it" real 28k |
Chris Cotter, 28, was stabbed three times in the back, slashed in the head and kicked and punched by a racist gang outside Ms Hansen's home in Erdington, Birmingham.
I know there are lots of animals in this world but it's something
you don't expect to come across in your everyday life  |
Joe Cotter
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His parents Joe and Hilda Cotter, both 65, said they were devastated by the attack.
"I know there are lots of animals in this world but it's something you don't expect to come across in your everyday life," Mr Cotter said.
"I know they exist these extreme right-wing groups but I don't think they have brains because if they had brains they couldn't do that."
 Ashia Hansen and Chris Cotter: Long-term relationship
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He said the government was seriously concerned about the attack and a number of other racist incidents across the UK.
He said the government had already brought in tougher sentences for people found guilty of racially-aggravated offences.
He made clear on BBC Radio 4's Today programme that those offences now included cases "where a white perpetrator attacks a white victim because their girlfriend is black".
He added: "I very much hope the police will be able to catch these particular individuals and also individuals associated with a number of racist incidents about which we are seriously concerned."
Secret address
Ms Hansen and Mr Cotter have now moved to a secret address outside the Birmingham area, and police say they have no plans to return.
 Ashia Hansen has set a world record in triple jumping
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Speaking about the attack he said: "I became aware of people behind me. I felt punches in the back although I didn't know I was being stabbed in the back.
"[A] man who had approached me initially then slashed me across the face. There was blood pouring from me."
Superintendent Tony Garbett, of West Midlands police, confirmed that a racist letter was posted by the attackers to Ms Hansen the day after the incident.
"It contained racist, offensive material and was clearly linked to the attack," said Superintendent Garbett.
"It is absolutely clear that the attack was racially motivated."
Police have few details of Mr Cotter's attackers, but one is described as aged 26 to 30, 6ft 3in tall, of stocky build and wearing a dark coloured heavy duffel coat. He is said to have a Birmingham accent.
Anyone with information about the attack can contact police on 0121 322 60778, or can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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