THERE is no place for racially aggravated attacks and abuse in Cirencester, or anywhere in this country.

It is shocking to hear about the incident last Friday where a young man was attacked and abused because of his accent, according to police.

Although the man was white, he was from Kenya and had a ‘distinctive accent’ and it is right for police to be treating the attack as hate crime that was racially aggravated.

Being able to identify hate crimes such as these should be an important part of policing so that victims feel more confident about reporting offences.

Police are now on the hunt for the alleged offender, and have given a description of him as a white male in his late teens to early 20s, and about 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was clean shaven and wearing a dark hooded top.

If you witnessed the incident on the Friday night near Tesco in Farrell Close or if you think you might know the offender, get in touch with police – this man should face justice.