A YOUNG woman was racially abused as she walked through Trowbridge on Monday evening.

The incident happened at around 8pm as the 21-year-old was walking near the library in Bythesea Road when she saw a youth riding towards her from the County Way direction.

It is understood the youth started shouting at the woman and racially abused her and she asked him to leave her alone.

He then grabbed something from a nearby tree – believed to be an apple – and threw it at her. The woman was not injured but sustained some redness to her back.

The youth then carried on down Bythesea Road in the direction of the train station.

PCSO Jay Greenland said: “Fortunately, the woman was not injured as a result of the incident, but she was left feeling upset and shaken.

“We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and I’d like to reassure the local community that we are carrying out a thorough investigation into this incident.

“I’d like to appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident at approximately 8pm on Monday, or anyone who may be able to help us identify this youth, to get in touch immediately.”

The youth is described as a teenage boy aged between 16-18 of skinny build. He had light coloured hair and possibly braces on his teeth. He was clean shaven and wearing a black zip-up hooded top. He was cycling on a small BMX bike.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.