Police in Harlow, Essex, are appealing for information following a racist assault on a street near an Islamic centre on Parringdon Road on May 14, just before 5 pm.
Parringdon Road is close to local Islamic and Christian centres, but it is unclear if the person attacked belonged to either faith group.
EssexLive added that the person attacked faced racist abuse from a group of young people who gave them a reason to stop their car before the assault occurred.
Can you help? We’re investigating an assault in Paringdon Rd, #Harlow, shortly before 5pm on Sun 14 May.
The victim reported being subjected to racial abuse and assaulted.
If you can help our enquiry, call 101 and quote crime reference 42/87024/23. pic.twitter.com/HrbuBj4YgO— Essex Police in Harlow District (@EP_Harlow) May 17, 2023
Inspector Natalie Rooney, Harlow Community Policing Team, who leads the investigation, said: “Officers from my community policing team are investigating this incident and supporting the victim.
“We take reports of hate crimes very seriously and we will not tolerate this behaviour within Harlow. “We will continue to work with our communities to stamp out this behaviour and bring offenders to justice. I would ask anyone who has information that could help our enquiry, to contact us.”
In a statement, the local council condemned the ‘cowardly’ racist attack, offering their support and stating that reassurance patrols would increase in the area.
The statement read: “We are concerned by the reports of a racially aggravated assault on Paringdon Road on Sunday 14 May.
“This was a cowardly act, and such attacks have no place in our town.
“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this incident. Our Community Safety team is stepping up patrols in the area to reassure the community.”
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident reference 42/87024/23 or online. Tell MAMA can pass information to the police on your behalf or anonymously.