Appeal for witnesses after man makes racist threats to woman and children in Stonehouse

Police are appealing for information after a man made violent threats to a woman and children in Stonehouse.

The incident happened on Gloucester Road between 9pm and 9.30pm on Friday 1 August.

A man had approached two families who did not know him and began to shout racist abuse at them.

He then lunged towards a 12-year-old child and threatened to assault him, before making threats to burn down their home.

The man then walked away in the direction of Woodcock Lane.

The woman and children were uninjured, however they were left badly shaken by the incident.

Officers are now asking for anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam or CCTV footage they believe to be relevant to come forward.

The man is described as being white, around 6ft in height and of a slim build. He had short brown and blonde hair and was clean shaven.

He was wearing a navy blue matching t-shirt and blue shorts, with a white band around the arm and legs. He was carrying two white carrier bags.

Two young children, a boy aged around five and a girl aged around four, were also with him.

County Hate Crime Coordinator, PC Steph Lawrence said: "This is a really concerning incident and behaviour of this kind will not be tolerated.

"We take all reports of hate crime seriously and we would appeal for anybody with any information about what has happened to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police through the website, quoting incident 554 of 1 August: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/