POLICE are reviewing a criminal investigation after a man who was subjected to an anti-semitic slur was told no further action would be taken.

The use of a foul-mouthed anti-semitic profanity towards the Jewish man took place during a football match at the Littledown Leisure Centre in Bournemouth.

A report of assault alongside the racially aggravated public order claim was made by the victim. After initial inquiries, two 27-year-old men, from Bournemouth and Reading, attended voluntary police interviews.

Dorset Police told the Daily Echo at present no arrests have been made and no charges have been brought.

However, Superintendent Jared Parkin, Dorset Police’s hate crime lead, said the criminal case is being reviewed after concerns were raised about the communication to the victim on the outcome of the initial investigation.

Supt Parkin said these issues had been rectified through “more personal contact” and detailed explanation.

“The victim’s complaint as a hate crime investigation is being treated extremely seriously,” Supt Parkin said. “I understand the victim’s concerns with regard to the lack of clarity provided to him around the outcome of the investigation and statement provided by my officer.

“This was hampered by the agreed manner in which we would communicate with him, via email. In my opinion this failed to provide adequate context for the explanation provided.”

The victim will be contacted with updates on the criminal investigation in relation to the incident, which took place in March.

Supt Parkin added: “Given that the case is being reviewed, we are unable to go into more specific details of the investigation.

“Hate incidents and crimes of this nature are without exception investigated thoroughly and I will ensure that this investigation is no different.”

It had been reported that the alleged culprit admitted using the anti-semitic profanity in police interview, but police told the victim no further action would be taken.

Rabbi Maurice Michaels said he was “surprised” Dorset Police could reach the initial decision they came to if all the published information published in Jewish media was accurate.

“I have never heard of the offensive word being used in relation to any group other than Jews, who are a religious grouping and therefore it was clearly intended to have religious connotations,” he said.

“The juxtaposition of that word with the swear word must therefore define it as a hate crime.

“I would also suggest that, following the Macpherson Report, the perception of the victim is also to be taken into consideration and in this case the victim obviously believed that this was intended as a religiously based hate crime.

“I am pleased that the police have decided to continue their investigation.”