Police launch investigation after person 'assaulted by white men with flags'

Police have launched an investigation after a man was allegedly assaulted by a group of white men carrying flags in a British seaside town.

The victim, a man in his 30s, alleged he was approached by a group of five or six men he didn't know at Canoe Lake in Southsea, Hampshire, at around 8pm on Sunday. Members of the group, who were described as white and carrying flags, verbally abused the man, Hampshire Police said.

The man was then allegedly punched in the head, knocking him to the ground, the force added. The victim suffered minor injuries in the attack and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

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The men left the area after an unknown woman reportedly spoke to the group. Police have launched an investigation into what they described as a racially aggravated assault.

Officers are currently carrying out enquiries and are asking anyone with relevant information to come toward. Hampshire Police said: "Officers investigating a racially aggravated assault in Southsea are appealing for witnesses and information.

"We received a report that at around 8:00pm on Sunday 21 September, a man in his 30s was approached by a group of 5 or 6 men he did not know at Canoe Lake in Southsea. The men have been described as white and carrying flags.

"Members of the group verbally racially abused the man before he was punched in the head, knocking him to the ground. The man suffered minor injuries from the assault and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

"An unknown woman reportedly spoke to the group and they left the area shortly after. An investigation has been launched and officers having been carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances, but would like to speak to anyone with relevant information."

The police added: "Did you witness this incident? Do you have any CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of this incident? Anyone with information which could assist our investigation is asked to please report this to us by calling 101 and quoting reference number 44250428088, or go online to report at How to tell us about an existing case or report | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

"You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting their website, below; Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers."