A CYCLIST racially abused a taxi driver and beat on the roof with his fists after crashing into the back of the vehicle.

Police have appealed for help to trace the offender following the incident in Christchurch Road, Boscombe on Monday August 3.

At around 2pm on Monday August 3 the victim – a man aged in his 40s and from Christchurch – was driving his taxi along Christchurch Road when he noticed a police car with blue lights approach.

He put his indicator on, pulled over and stopped opposite Wolverton Road.

The victim then saw a group of around three cyclists approach in his rear view mirror. One of the cyclists went into the back of the victim’s black taxi at low speed.

The cyclist approached the passenger window of the taxi and racially abused the victim. He is then said to have banged on the roof of the car with closed fists, causing damage to the vehicle.The victim was not injured in the incident.

The suspect is described as white, of large build and around five feet three inches tall. He wore a yellow Lycra T-shirt, yellow cycling shorts and sunglasses. His bicycle was black.

Police Constable Luke Kerslake, of Bournemouth police, said: "From my enquiries I have established that there were a number of people in the area at the time who may have witnessed the incident and filmed it on their mobile phones.

"I have also established that a man who worked in a nearby shop may have seen what happened. I would ask these people to please contact me as they may have important information that could assist my investigation."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200114480, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.