A MAN who sped into a disabled bay and almost collided with a man in a Christchurch car park then attacked and racially abused him.

Police have appealed for witnesses following the hate crime incident in the Wickes car park in Somerford Road.

The incident took place between midday and 12.30pm on Saturday November 21.

The victim,a man in his 40s and originally from Poland, got involved in an argument with a man who entered the car park at high speed before parking in a disabled bay and narrowly missing the man.

A Dorseet Polie spokesman said: "The man was racially abusive toward the victim before approaching him with his arms raised and fists clenched and swinging punches at him. The victim dodged the punches and returned to his own vehicle."

The offender is described as white, aged in his 50s, around five feet nine inches tall and of slim build. He was driving a blue car, believed to be a Ford C-Max.

Police Constable James Prowse, of East Dorset police, said: “We take hate crime very seriously and are carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the man responsible for this offence.

“I am appealing to any witnesses, or motorists who were in the car park at the time and may have captured something relevant on dashcam, to please contact us.

“I understand a number of people approached the victim after the altercation to check he was all right and I would be keen to hear from these individuals as they may be potential witnesses.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200175485, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.