A DOG owner was threatened and racially abused by a large group of youths by the skatepark at Stallards Park in Trowbridge on Monday night.

At around 8.45pm, a 40-year-old woman was walking her dog on her own when she walked past a large tree to the side of the skatepark, where she came across the youths.

An argument followed, resulting in a man threatening to harm the woman and her dog as well as shouting racial abuse at her, leaving her shaken. Now police have launched an appeal for information.

PC Tom Carver said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident and has any information about this male or any of the other members of the group that he was with.

“Were you in this area at the time? Did you see any suspicious behaviour?” Any information you have could really help our investigation.

“We are currently carrying out enquiries including CCTV analysis in order to identify the offenders. The language used was unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of racial abuse to never suffer in silence and report it to police on 101 or report it via the True Vision website www.report-it.org.uk.”

Call 101 with information, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.