A homeless traveller family has been the target of racial abuse.

Police in Gloucestershire are looking for the culprits of a racially aggravated verbal assault against a family of travellers currently living in Draycott Blockley, near Moreton.

PC Nick Westmacott has said that at around 11:30pm on Monday, August 8, racist language was directed at the family following a “verbal altercation”.

He added: “This will not be accepted and we are currently seeking those responsible.

“We are aware the family have posted comments on a Facebook page locally to defend themselves and we have persuaded them to report any incident to police to manage local expectations and feelings.

“Any incident should be reported to police.”

The family moved on to a field they bought in Draycott Blockley two years ago.

There are currently three caravans currently on the site to house them.

However, the family has submitted a planning permission to build a permanent residency, which is currently being handled by Cotswold District Council’s planning department.

On the application, PC Westmacott added: “We have spoken to Gloucestershire County Council traveller liaison officers who have been to the site to conduct welfare on the family.

“A working group will now be formed with CDC, GCC, police, the local parish council and housing.

“We will keep local residents updated.”