News / Racism
Chinese student injured in ‘appalling’ racially aggravated assault
A Chinese student was left injured in what police have confirmed was a racially aggravated assault.
The 18-year-old victim was walking on Rupert Street on the evening of September 27, when witnesses saw two girls spitting on her and proceeding to kick her multiple times on the head.
A witness who was walking by a few minutes after the victim was attacked, told Bristol24/7: “She was basically squatting in a very defensive position still, not even wanting to sit down. She was very clearly confused and bleeding from her eyebrow.”
is needed now More than ever
Police are appealing for information about a woman they believe can assist with their enquiries – photo: Avon and Somerset Police
Avon and Somerset Police are now looking for a white female who they say “can assist with our enquiries”.
The woman is believed to be in her 20s, short, with blue hair and was seen wearing a dark designer jacket with a black logo on the left sleeve, over a blue hooded top, with black trousers and white Crocs-style shoes on the day of the incident.
The woman was taken to a hospital where she was treated for facial injuries. She has since been discharged and is recovering at home.
Moments after the incident, the witness said the teenager kept repeating that she was “so angry” for being attacked because she was Chinese.
He continued: “She said ‘I asked them and they said it’s because I’m Chinese’ and that’s where you know the story doesn’t fit your typical expectation.”
An immigrant himself, the witness said racist attacks like these are “not normal”.
Officer in the case, detective constable Georgia Pearce said: “This is an appalling incident which has caused distress and upset for the victim and her family, and a full investigation is underway.
“We have maintained regular contact with the victim as part of our enquiries which have resulted in us wishing to identify the woman, pictured.
“Bristol is generally a safe place to live, work and study, but we will not tolerate hate crime, which we urge people to report.
“All initial lines of enquiry have been followed up and we are now seeking the public’s support because finding out who this woman are will help us to progress this investigation.”
Anybody who recognises the woman should call police on 101 quoting 5225271951 or complete our online appeals form. Information can also be reported anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers or via Avon and Somerset Police’s anonymous online form.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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