CCTV appeal following racial abuse and assault in Cinderford

Police are appealing for help in identifying a man who racially abused a woman in Cinderford.

Officers have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident, which happened on Foxes Bridge Road, Cinderford.

A man made a racist comment to a woman he did not know and, when challenged by a friend of the victim, the offender started to throw punches at them.

Police would like to identify the man and are now appealing for help from members of the public.

The incident happened at around 9.50pm on Saturday 9 December last year.

Anyone who recognises the man or who has information which could assist the investigation is asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through the website, quoting incident 470 of 9 December: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/

County Hate Crime Coordinator PC Steph Lawrence said: "We have a dedicated county-wide partnership who work together to ensure we drive out hate.

"We are proud of the diverse county we live and work in, and people should be able to go about their normal day to day lives without having to live in fear of being singled out and targeted for who they are.

"Hate crimes not only have a detrimental impact on the victim, but can also have a wider impact on our local communities."

If you have been affected by crime, you can contact the local victim care team in Gloucestershire on 0808 281 0112 or you can contact them online: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/