Man, 21, punched in head and kicked in racial attack in Hartlepool

A man has been assaulted in what is being deemed by police as a racially aggravated assault, in Hartlepool.

James Imray was set upon, and accused of being a terrorist, simply because of the colour of his skin.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have received a report of a racially aggravated assault which happened at around 8pm on Sunday 28th May on Eskdale Road, Hartlepool.

A 21-year- old man was left with minor injuries after being punched in the head and kicked by two males who verbally abused him in the street."

Police say this incident is being classed as a hate crime and 'any incidents of this nature will not be tolerated'. 'Acts of hate crime are committed by a small minority of people and are not representative of the public.'

The police has confirmed that first suspect is described as:

• a white male;

• around 6ft tall and of large build;

• has short, neat hair that was dark brown in colour and a beard.

• wearing a white vest and shorts;

• and was aged in his late thirties to early forties.

The second suspect is described as:

• a white male;

• around 5ft 9” tall and of average build;

• with blonde hair, blue eyes and glasses.

• aged in his late teens;

• and was wearing green wellies, jogging bottoms and a grey jacket.

Cleveland Police say: “Officers have interviewed a 17-year- old male voluntarily and enquiries are ongoing."

"Anyone with information regarding the incident or anyone who may know the identity of those responsible is asked to contact PC Gareth Humphrey on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org."

"Anyone who wishes to report a hate crime can do so via 101 or through a third party reporting mechanism such as True Vision.”