A TEENAGE girl was taken to hospital after being victim to a racially aggravated assault in Poole.

At approximately 5.30pm on Monday, October 17, a 13-year-old girl was in Hamworthy Park with two friends when she was approached by two other girls.

One of the girls gave the name of a Polish-speaking girl. The victim confirmed that she was Polish, but she had a different name, and was subsequently hit in the face by one of the suspects.

The victim sustained injuries to her face and ear and attended hospital for treatment.

Officers investigating the racially aggravated incident are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Heather Anderson, of Poole Police, said: “This was a frightening incident for the victim.

"Dorset Police takes all reports of hate crime very seriously and we are doing all we can to identify those responsible.

“I understand there was a man and a woman walking their dogs in the area at the time of the assault and I would ask them to please come forward as they may be important witnesses.

“Also, I am appealing for anyone with information about what happened to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220169496.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.