Man racially abuses Muslim woman

The woman was attacked near the Cenotaph on Above Bar Street

A man who racially abused a Muslim woman and then tried to rip off her veil is being hunted by police.

The 37-year-old woman was attacked as she crossed East Park towards the Cenotaph in Southampton on Thursday afternoon.

The attacker grabbed her by the neck and told her to remove her veil. He then tried to take it off himself but she struggled free and fled.

Pc Leigh Walker said: "This attack was particularly degrading for the victim."

Police say the park was very busy at the time and there were also people waiting at the bus stops on Above Bar Street and they are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Pc Leigh Walker said: "We need to put a stop to this kind of behaviour by someone who is ignorant to the diverse society that we live in.

"We will not stand for any type of racial or religious abuse and will deal with anyone who does abuse or assault people like this robustly.