A Slough family who were seriously injured in a confrontation outside their home say their reputation has been damaged by the way Thames Valley Police handled the investigation.
Attack, charges and court outcomes
The incident, which took place on 31 January 2024 on Seacourt Road in Langley, left Gurdave Rehsi, 36, and his father Tavinder Singh, 64, seriously hurt after an assault involving a metal baseball bat. Both men were subsequently charged in connection with the episode but were later cleared of all charges at Reading Crown Court.
Their neighbour, Peter Hall, admitted offences including violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He pleaded guilty in August 2024 and was given a suspended sentence along with a five-year restraining order, according to Mr Rehsi.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 31 January 2024 | Confrontation on Seacourt Road, Langley; two family members injured |
| August 2024 | Neighbour pleads guilty to violent disorder; receives suspended sentence and restraining order |
| Post-trial | Family acquitted of charges; formal complaints lodged against police |
Family's concerns over police account and alleged racism
The Rehsi family say a police account of events portrayed them as the aggressors and did not reflect their version of what happened. They told WE NEWS the dispute was the culmination of years of escalating tensions with the neighbours, which they say included incidents they reported as racist abuse and harassment.
“We have years of evidence of CCTV and audio recordings of racism and abuse by our neighbours but nothing was ever done,”
Mr Rehsi also alleges that racially charged language was used towards his father during the Crown Court proceedings, including reference to him as “Mr Turban”.
Complaints and oversight
The family have submitted a formal complaint to Thames Valley Police and to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Their concerns relate to the conduct of the investigating officer, accuracy of information recorded in police reports, the treatment of alleged racist abuse and the information shared with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and the press.
- Both family members were initially charged but later acquitted at Reading Crown Court.
- The neighbour pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of a weapon and received a suspended sentence and a five-year restraining order.
- The family has lodged complaints with Thames Valley Police and the IOPC alleging investigative failings and mishandling of racist abuse.
Thames Valley Police confirmed to WE NEWS that a complaint has been made but said it could not provide further comment. The IOPC may consider whether the police investigation met appropriate standards; any formal decision-making or disciplinary outcomes will depend on the findings of those reviews.
Local impact and unanswered questions
The case raises broader questions for local residents about how police respond to long-running neighbourhood disputes and allegations of racially motivated behaviour. The family say they repeatedly sought assistance before the confrontation and are now seeking accountability for how the case was handled from first contact to the information that reached the public.
As oversight bodies examine the complaint, neighbours and community groups in Slough will be watching for clarity on police practice and assurances that victims of harassment are heard and protected. Meanwhile the Rehsi family say they continue to recover from the physical and reputational harm of the incident and hope the reviews will address their concerns.
WE NEWS has approached Thames Valley Police and the IOPC for comment and will report any response.
