Video: Community rallies round vandal-hit York restaurant – and fundraiser goes through the roof
York has thrown a big hug around the family whose new restaurant was wrecked by vandals.
We reported yesterday how plans to open Yemen Heaven in the old Spread Eagle pub on Walmgate had suffered a huge setback after it was broken into and trashed.
Toilets and windows were broken, paint was smeared on the walls and ornaments smashed.
The family of devastated owner Muna Al Maflehi set up a fundraiser in the wake of the wrecking spree.
Just 24 hours later it has raised more than £14,000.
Meanwhile, volunteers have been down to the site to help with the clearing up process, as you can see in our video.
And York’s independent food and drink outlets are also doing their bit.
Café Partisan on Micklegate is hosting a fundraising event during the Micklegate Mingle today (Thursday, 16 December) between 4pm and 8pm.
Among the other indies supporting the event are The Pig and Pastry, Brew and Brownie, Sketch and Flori Bakery.
Partisan says: “Come along and get a coffee or a hot chocolate, fill your boots with delicious pastries and contribute to the re-build of this beautiful place and help this beautiful people.
“Absolutely everything we raise in the afternoon-evening will go to their fund.”
Muna told YorkMix: “It makes me very, very happy. I’m really grateful and thankful for their help.”
North Yorkshire Police say a suspect has been questioned and released on conditional bail while enquiries continue. If you can help their investigation, get in touch.
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
- Quote reference number 12210260486