A restaurant manager in Wimbledon has become one of south-west London's more unlikely local heroes. Onur Inci, who runs a Turkish restaurant in the area, has been given a Merton Heroes Award by Merton Council after throwing himself into the path of an oncoming motorcycle to save a young girl.
The incident dates back to 25 May. The girl had been running across the road towards her father when she strayed into the path of a motorcycle travelling at roughly 20 miles per hour, according to former Merton mayor Stephen Alambritis, who spoke at the ceremony. Inci, watching from outside the restaurant, reacted instantly, hauling the child clear of the bike's path. She walked away unharmed. Inci was not so lucky: the motorcycle struck him, and he spent several days in hospital with a fractured left shoulder that left him with permanent damage. The rider was also hurt, though both men were later said to be recovering well.
At a council ceremony, Merton mayor Suli Saida handed Inci the award, with Alambritis noting that a collision at that speed could easily have proved fatal for a child. Inci himself played down the hero framing, saying he simply made the move "any good person, any good father" would make, and that standing by and watching was never an option he could have lived with. Councillor Meriam Hakim, a regular at the restaurant, added that the nomination reflected more than one dramatic moment — Inci has built a strong reputation among locals over the years.
The story even has a touching family coda. Inci's son admitted he was initially distraught when he heard what his father had done, fearing worse injuries, but said the relief of seeing both his father recover and the little girl survive made the worry worthwhile.
For travellers, this is a reminder that the people behind the counter at your local holiday spot are often the heart of a neighbourhood. Wimbledon — better known for tennis fortnight — is a leafy, village-feeling corner of Merton where independents like Inci's restaurant anchor community life. If you're visiting the Championships or exploring southwest London beyond the centre, it's the kind of place where staff remember regulars and councils hand out awards for good citizenship. A meal at a well-loved local Turkish spot is as good a way as any to experience that side of the city.
