A VILLAGE has boycotted a Muslim shopkeeper's store in protest at the September 11 terrorist attacks on the US.

Residents in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, have shunned Pakistani shopkeeper Kaiser Choudry's two local businesses. He claims his family and 15 members of staff are being victimised by "racists".

The 33-year-old, who owns Milco Superstore and Freshco Bakery sandwich bar, says he has lost thousands of pounds in sales.

Mr Choudry had planned to invest £300,000 in the village by building a supermarket, but he said he may have to leave the area because of the aftermath of the American attacks.

He said: "I have been in Shotton for 12 years and until now we have been really happy. The people have always been friendly to us.

"We are sitting here thousands of miles away from all this trouble, and yet people are accusing us of being involved. It's so cruel.

"Our religion does not permit such attacks, and we were as shocked and horrified as everyone else when this happened."

Mr Choudry said false rumours were rife around the village that his family were in some way connected to the terrorist atrocities.

Now, he says that his pregnant wife, three children and staff are living in fear after threats were made to set fire to his premises.

He said he had not reported the threats to police for fear that their involvement may be seen as confirmation of people's suspicions.

But Inspector Geoff Smith, of Peterlee police, said any complaints would be treated seriously.

"If people are bigoted in that sense they should look at themselves first - their opinions are based on ignorance. Any racial harassment complaints will be treated in a robust manner," he said.