Positive Action in Housing launched a fundraising page for Able Miller who it is claimed had lit fireworks thrown at him and his car by a group of teenagers outside his home

A Scottish charity has helped raise over £2,500 for a disabled refugee allegedly attacked outside his home in Glasgow.

Able Miller, a former politician from Zimbabwe, was said to have been attacked and suffered burns to his hands and feet when a group of teenagers threw lit fireworks at him and his car outside his home in Springburn in the early hours of Sunday, 6 November.

Mr Miller, who uses crutches, fled to Scotland after he had his back broken and was shot twice in the leg by political rivals in his homeland in 2002, is said to be worried that his family, including his 13-year-old daughter who has Down’s syndrome, are no longer safe here and is considering moving out of the country.

Homelessness refugee and migrant charity Positive Action in Housing (PAiH) launched a fundraising page last Wednesday to assist the family regardless of their decision and it has since gone on to raise £2,515 after donations flooded in from across the country.

Robina Qureshi, director of PAiH, claimed the family has been attacked 17 times in recent years amid growing resentment of immigrants and refugees in the UK but said she was not surprised that so many people had donated.

Whether he decides to remain in Scotland or go to the black community in Sheffield is his choice, I understand and respect it either way

Happier times: Able Miller (right) at the Positive Action in Housing AGM (c) Robina Qureshi

She told TFN: “There are good decent people who care and act on it unlike the peddlers of hate and division.

“We are gathering donations for the Miller family to help them move home and resettle.

“Whether he decides to remain in Scotland or go to the black community in Sheffield is his choice, I understand and respect it either way.

“From our point of view, we wanted to give him respect and apologise for what happened.

“Please donate what you can and show Able Miller and his family that Scotland says no to racism and they have friends they have never met who care.”

Many of those who have contributed to the donations page have also written messages of support to Mr Miller and his family.

Andy Sharp said: “I had the pleasure of teaching Able some years ago at Glasgow Caledonian University. He was outstanding. I know he went on to help integrate the local communities and refugees he is a great asset to Scotland happy to support him.”

Harriet Grimsditch said: “I'm appalled to read of your victimisation and make this donation in solidarity and with my heartfelt sympathy.”

Sarah Warhol said: “So angry that you have experienced this. You are welcome in Scotland, sadly there are idiots who do these mindless violent acts. I hope you are able to find peace.”

Fariha Thomas said: “I am so sorry this has happened. Scotland should be a safe place to welcome refugees and for all to live in. You are welcome here. We have to stamp out the racism and intolerance of a minority that so damages people's lives.”

Five teenagers appeared in private at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday 9 November in connection with the incident.

They made no plea or declaration and were released on bail to return to court at a later date.

Court papers allege they repeatedly shouted and uttered racist remarks and threats and repeatedly threw bricks at Mr Miller, striking him on the body and throwing lit fireworks at him, all to his injury.

They also add the teens “wilfully or recklessly destroyed or damaged the property belonging to another and did repeatedly throw lit fireworks at a vehicle causing damage”.

To make a donation to the Miller family visit the MyDonate website or visit paih.org/donate for other ways to give.

All money donated will go to the family, with all Gift Aid collected used by PAiH to support other victims of racism.