WE would like to offer our support for Mr Ahmed regarding the £30 fine he received for “talking back” to a young police officer (Examiner November 28). We frequent Mr Ahmed’s shop and have found him to be extremely pleasant, amicable, and an important member of the local community.

I have no doubt that Mr Ahmed spoke courteously and rationally to the police officer. Mr Ahmed is characteristically generous in giving the young officer the benefit of the doubt regarding the possibility of a racial motive. However we feel it is unlikely a white individual would have had the same experience. Casual racism is still a problem in the area and the officer abused his authority by dealing with the situation in the manner that he did. We sincerely hope Mr Ahmed’s complaint is upheld.

Nick Harding and Anna McGrenaghan

Paddock