Witness appeal following assault in Watford

Police are appealing for witnesses, information and video footage following an incident in Watford where a woman was assaulted.

On Friday 5 May, at around 12.25pm, two vehicles were involved in a minor collision in Wellstones car park. 

It was reported that an altercation then followed between those involved, and a woman in her 30s was physically assaulted. It was alleged that the suspect pulled off her hijab and stamped on it, before making threats and using racial slurs.

Several bystanders intervened, and all involved parties left the scene.

The woman went to her home address where she called the police. Attending officers called the ambulance service, and she was taken to hospital for treatment.

PC Dani Howlett-Bolton, one of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Hate Crime Officers, said: “Any violence or abuse motivated by racial or religious hatred is completely unacceptable, and will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire. Thankfully, in this case the woman was not seriously injured, though she has understandably been left very shaken.

“We have reason to believe that several people were recording the altercation, and may have vital evidence to help us progress our investigation. If you do have video footage, or any information that you think may assist with our enquiries, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to please email PC Howlett-Bolton.

Hertfordshire Constabulary does not tolerate racism and reports of this nature are taken extremely seriously. You can visit the Herts Against Hate website for support around hate crimes and hate incidents.

You can also report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/36195/23.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (opens in a new window).