A SHOCKED Hampshire community was today rallying round to protect the Asian owner of their village store after he was the target of a Klu Klux Klan-style arson attack.

Pravin Patel was horrified to find the charred remains of a 5ft wooden cross in the entrance to his shop, Springvale Stores in Kings Worthy, near Winchester, when he returned from a Hindu festival in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police called to the scene found the cross had been taken from the roof of neighbouring St Mary's Chapel before clothing from a nearby charity bin was wrapped round it and set alight.

The cross had burned until the wood was charred and there was damage to the surrounding porch but the flames had gone out before spreading to the shop.

Detective Inspector Mike Dodds, of Winchester CID, said: "This is an absolutely appalling incident in a quiet village community.

"It is being treated as an arson attack, a racially-motivated incident, and criminal damage on church property.

"The use of the cross as a weapon in this arson incident appears to be designed to create the impression of a Klu Klux Klan-style attack. However, there is no indication that this is the work of racist criminal gangs.

"There was a danger to life as the shop is in a modern block with flats above where a number of families live and many of them, including children, were asleep upstairs. "We are going to be doing everything in our power to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."

Mr Patel said he was driving home with his wife and two children when they saw something strange in the shop entrance and stopped.

"It was very spooky to see that cross," he said.

"We just could not comprehend what had happened to us or what it meant.

"My wife was totally shocked. The customers and she have a very trusting relationship.

"My children advised me to sell up.

"They were totally devastated that such a thing should happen."

Police scoured the area for suspects and forensic tests were carried out on the doorway and the church hall.

The charred cross was taken away for further examination.

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