Police in Stroud are appealing for witnesses to a racially aggravated incident in Stroud in the early hours of Sunday, December 7.

The incident took place at the taxi rank outside Woolworths in the centre of town just after 3am.

The victim, an Asian male taxi driver, was parked with passengers in his car when a white male leant inside the vehicle, removed the key from the ignition and threw it to the ground, breaking it in two. The offender then verbally abused the taxi driver.

PC Richard Smith, of Stroud Police, said: “The offender’s comments to the taxi driver were racially aggravated and deeply upsetting to him. The entire incident has left the victim badly shaken up.

“We know there were people at the taxi rank at the time, including the passengers in the victim's car, who witnessed the incident and we would urge them to do the right thing and come forward. Many who were there were disgusted by the offender’s actions but it is vital that they talk to us about the matter.

“Incidents like this are rare in Stroud but the people who were present can help send out a message that they are not acceptable by making a statement to Police."

A 44 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and making racially aggravated comments and bailed to attend Stroud Police station on Tuesday, December 23.

Anybody with information on any of the above incidents is asked to contact Police on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 90 of December 7.