Police issue appeal after racial assault in Cinderford

Officers have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident

Police are appealing for help following a racial assault.

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 said.

It happened at 21:50 GMT on 9 December.

Anyone who recognises the man or who has information which could assist the investigation is asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary.

PC Steph Lawrence said: "We have a dedicated countywide 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."