Soldier who lost leg on duty in Iraq writes moving Facebook post against Islamophobia

A veteran who lost his leg while serving in the British Army in Iraq has hit out at people who he says expect him to be racist because of his experiences.

In an emotional Facebook post that has been shared more than 50,000 times, Chris Herbert said he was "frustrated" at being seen as an "easy target" for those pushing an Islamophobic agenda.

Calling on people to stop blaming all Muslims for the actions of a minority, he wrote: "If you want to hate an entire race of men and women for the actions of a few d******ds feel free, but don't push your views on me, thinking I am an easy target because one douchebag decided it was my day to die."

Mr Herbert, from Portsmouth, said that although may have been injured at the hands of a Muslim, he did not blame all Muslims for his fate, and instead listed all those who had since helped him in his recovery.

He wrote: "Yes. A Muslim man blew me up, and I lost my leg.

"A Muslim man also lost his arm that day wearing a British Uniform.

"A Muslim medic was in the helicopter that took me from the field

"A Muslim surgeon performed the surgery that saved my life

"A Muslim hurse was part of the team that helped me when I returned to the UK

"A Muslim healthcare assistant was part of the team that sorted out my day to day needs in rehabilitation when I was learning to walk

"A Muslim taxi driver gave me a free ride the first time I went for a beer with my dad after I came home.

"A Muslim doctor offered my dad comfort and advice in a pub, when he didn't know how to deal with my medicines and side effects."

He also pointed out unpleasant experiences he had encountered from "white Brits", but added: "Although, a lot of people helped in my recovery! I don't hate white Brits either!"

His post said: "A white Brit spat in my girlfriend's face for 'f****g a cripple when you could have me [him]'

"A white Brit pushed my wheelchair away from a lift so he could use it first.