Dentist offers to help race attack victim

Stephen Tittensor, the owner of Ebenezer House Dental Practice, in Victoria Road, Old Town, said after reading the story of Javed Ashraf, in Tuesday’s Adver, he was compelled to provide a free set of pearly white dentures.

The offer comes only days after Mr Ahraf, 47, of Graham Street in Broad Green was struck in the back of the head on Friday, near his home, after being called a ‘Paki’ by three racist thugs.

He was later woken up by a girl named Emma who was holding his tooth – which had been dislodged after he hit the ground – knocking him unconscious.

Cerys Cooper, practice manager at the 10-year-old practice, who will be seeing Mr Ashraf today at 1pm, said the whole team stood by the decision to provide him with the teeth.

She said: “We get the Adver every day, and when we saw the story we thought it was just horrible.

“It is just a gesture of goodwill before Christmas but we really feel like we wanted to restore his faith in Swindon.

“It must be hard to lose your front teeth and to go out in public, so he can wear these for now.”

She added the teeth, which cost approximately £200, will have to be replaced in one year when his gums recede.

Mr Ashraf, who feared he would not be able to afford new front teeth, said: “I am overjoyed at the offer, I can’t believe it really.

“I want to thank the dentist and the Adver and all the people who have had positive wishes for me throughout Swindon.

“I always knew this town was a great place and this has restored that feeling.

“My family, who all live in Luton, are insisting that I move to them but this has decided things – I am staying in this town.”

The dentures, which will be custom made by Rock Dental Studio, in Penhill Drive, will also be provided free by owner John Bernard.

He said: “I would be happy to do any replacement work in the future for him too.”

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to ring PC Peter Smith on 0845 4087000.