A significant racially aggravated public order incident occurred in Walthamstow on Sunday, December 21, 2025, targeting a newly opened business, the Axe and Ember Smokehouse in Walthamstow Village.

The owners, Uzma Hussain and her husband Rizwan, who invested their life savings into the business, were verbally abused by a woman outside their restaurant. The woman reportedly directed racist slurs, including "n*****" and "P***s", towards the British-born South Asian owners and patrons inside. The incident reportedly lasted for approximately thirty minutes, and the perpetrator was filmed telling the victims that they "do not belong" in the area.

The incident caused significant shock in the local community. In response the Metropolitan Police confirmed that an individual in her 40s had been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault and remains in custody today, 27th December.

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy joined local residents to show solidarity with the restaurant owners, and a large anti-racism protest was held in the area. Banners reading "Waltham Forest, Stand Up to Racism" were present.

The community has shown widespread support for the business owners through social media and in person.

The victim shared her disbelief at what happened, especially as she was born and raised in Walthamstow Village and had always had positive experiences in the community prior to this incident. The local council and community leaders are discussing ways to foster a more inclusive environment and combat hate crime. Local people speaking at the ad hoc anti-racism protest expressed shock and revulsion at the woman's behaviour and pointed out how welcoming the neighbourhood had always been to residents of diverse cultural groups.