The owner of a Twickenham coffee van has spoken of their gratitude after an outpouring of support from the local community following a mugging that left them with a broken tooth.

As previously reported by Nub News, a fundraiser was launched to support Diaco from Thirst for All in Crane Park after he was attacked by five men, leaving him injured and with his day's earnings stolen.

Speaking to Nub News, the Iranian said he had been overwhelmed by the response from customers and local residents.

"I really appreciate the people," he said. "I didn't know people recognised me working here. That was very nice."

He added: "And the day after the incident, everyone came to say sorry and they showed me appreciation."

Thanks to the donations raised through the crowdfunder, Diaco has now been able to purchase security cameras for the coffee trailer, helping to improve safety while working in the park.

He also revealed that one customer went a step further by gifting him a body camera to wear while working.

Despite the added security measures, Diaco and fellow resident Mandy, who set up the crowdfunder on GoFundMe, said the incident has left him still feeling "unsafe".

However, they praised support from local Councillor Julia Neden-Watts and Munira Wilson MP in encouraging police to step up patrols in the area since the attack.

Mandy said: "I just think I'm blessed to be amongst such lovely people, such caring, kind, wonderful people.

"People I've never heard about have been emailing me, thanking me for doing it [the crowdfunder]."

She continued: "People have contributed because they don't want to lose Diaco. People come so they can have a coffee and have a chat for an hour and a half. They can see the dogs or they bring their dog and they can sit and chat, which never happened before.

"There's never been anything like this anywhere around here and this is a community that's been built purely on the basis of this man's coffee and a chat. We would protect him to the end of the earth."

Ms Wilson commented: "I was shocked to hear of the mugging at the much-loved café in Crane Park.

"I know that many residents are concerned about rising crime, and I will continue to hold the Met Police and the Mayor to account, including fighting against the closure of our local police front counter, which is so important for community policing.

"No one should live in fear of going about their daily business, whether business owners like Diaco, families enjoying a day out or pupils on their way to school. 

"A huge thanks to resident Mandy for her fundraising efforts to help Diaco, which is a great example of our community spirit here in Twickenham."

Diaco has been running the coffee van for over a year and half in Crane Park. To learn more about the crowdfunder click here.