Tommy Robinson: Man who threw milkshake at EDL founder ‘fears for safety’ after death threats

Protester says he is surprised by reaction as viral video viewed more than five million times

The man who threw a milkshake over Tommy Robinson says he has received death threats since the incident.

Danyaal Mahmud said he now fears for his safety after a video of the confrontation in Warrington went viral on social media.

“I have got some abuse and threats from people. I do fear a little for my safety,” Mr Mahmud said. “I didn’t think there would be such a reaction to this.”

The clip, which showed the English Defence League (EDL) founder hit by a milkshake for the second time in two days, showed Robinson throw several punches at Mr Mahmud after the drink was upended on him.

Mr Mahmud said he was on his way home from a work-related meeting on Thursday when he was approached by Robinson, who is campaigning as an independent MEP for northwest England.

He said that he felt intimidated and threatened by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and did not want to speak to him.

“People know me as a talkative kind of guy and I get on with everyone. I think I just felt a little annoyed that he kept talking to me,” Mr Mahmud said. ”I didn’t mean to do anything, to be honest, it was just an instant reaction to the way he was talking to me.”

Police intervened in the incident, which was filmed on a mobile phone, and took Mr Mahmud to a train station.

Video of the confrontation has been viewed more than five million times on social media.

Mr Robinson has claimed he was “politically targeted” and said “no amount of punches, milkshakes, attacks or anything is going to stop me” in response to the incident.

In the evening, Mr Mahmud said he visited Royal Blackburn Hospital for a check-up and had a few bruises to his head.

“I’m not too bothered about that so much. His reaction was a bit shocking more than anything else,” he said. “I thought I would be in trouble when I got home. I think my family were just happy that I got home safe.”

Cheshire Police has confirmed they are investigating a number of incidents in relation to the rally, including reports of a counter-protestor who said she had her nose broken by a Robinson supporter.

Alice Edwards posted footage online showing Robinson’s supporters scuffling with anti-fascist demonstrators before she was punched.

Chief Inspector Simon Meegan said: “We are aware there has been a lot of talk, videos and speculation about what happened but we need to hear from people who were there and witnessed what happened.”

Agencies contributed to this report