Woman Racially Attacked Near Playground

18 April 2011, 13:25 | Updated: 18 April 2011, 13:28

Police are appealing for witnesses to a racially aggravated robbery in Portsmouth where a woman was assaulted by a group of teenagers.

The victim, 47, was confronted by three men on Waterloo Street, Somerstown, around 9.30pm, Thursday, April 14.

 She was walking past the adventure playground when she heard the group behind her shouting racial abuse.

One of them kicked her on the leg causing her to fall to the ground. Another took her handbag and its contents including £100 in cash, two mobile phones and a gold bracelet.

The offenders ran off south down Waterloo Street. The victim described them as white men, about 5ft 7ins tall and wearing t-shirts.

Detective Constable Amanda Waite from Portsmouth CID said:  “Although the victim didn’t suffer any permanent injuries, she has been clearly upset by the robbery and use of physical violence and racial abuse against her.

“I’m looking to identify the men involved and am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident who knows who did it to come forward in confidence.

“There may have been someone nearby whose attention was drawn to it because of the raised voices and language used.

“Police in Portsmouth won’t tolerate such abusive behaviour, so if you’re the victim of a hate crime you can report it to us immediately on 999 or 101 if it’s less urgent.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Waite at Fratton police station on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.