Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a ‘racially aggravated assault’ that took place in Southsea on Sunday, 21 September.
At around 8:00pm, a man in his 30s was approached by a group of five or six men at Canoe Lake. The group, Hampshire Police describe as white and carrying flags, verbally racially abused the man before one of them punched him in the head, knocking him to the ground. The victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
A woman, described as unknown to the victim, reportedly spoke to the group after the assault, and they left the area shortly afterwards. Canoe Lake is a popular spot for families and walkers.
An investigation has now been launched, and officers have been carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen what happened, or who might have information that could assist their investigation.
Did you witness this incident? Do you have any CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the assault?
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to call 101, quoting reference number 44250428088. Information can also be reported online via the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
