An African refugee drowned in Venice’s Grand Canal while onlookers allegedly filmed him on their phones, laughed and made racist comments.

At least three rings were thrown into the water but the man, named as Pateh Sabally, did not appear to reach for them – prompting speculation he was committing suicide. Nobody jumped into the water to help the 22-year-old Gambian.

In one video released on Italian websites, a person can be heard shouting “Go on, go back home” and another yells “Africa”.

Onlookers are heard beginning to laugh and one man says: “Let him die at this point.”

He was eventually caught by a current and pulled under for the last time before police divers arrived on the scene.

Dino Basso, local head of the Italian association of lifeguards, said: "I don't want to blame anyone but maybe something more could have been done to save him."It has been revealed that Mr Sabally sailed from Africa two years ago and ended up at the Italian port of Pozzallo after his boat was intercepted at sea.

Local media said he was given a permit to stay in Italy but travelled to Switzerland in search of work, in order to be closer to family in Mexico. However, he was sent back to Italy by officials.

Security cameras at Venice station show the refugee sitting on the steps overlooking the Grand Canal ten minutes before he was spotted drowning in it.

link http://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/tourists-laugh-and-make-racist-comments-as-african-refugee-drowns-in-venices-grand-canal-a3450126.html

Africa my Africa...
I know you'll still RISE regardless of the hatred