Appeal following verbal racist abuse in St Helens shop

Detectives have issued a CCTV image of a woman who could have information that may assist with their enquiries following an alleged verbal racist abuse in a St Helens shop.

At around 3.15pm on Saturday 12 August, a woman was at the checkout in Poundland in Ravenhead Retail Park and about to pay for her shopping with a bank card when an older woman stood very close to her.

The victim asked the older woman to step back so she could enter her PIN to complete the transaction. The older woman ignored the request until the cashier also asked her to do so. The victim then completed the transaction when the older woman then subjected her to racist abuse.

The cashier asked the offender to leave, the offender then shouted verbal abuse to the cashier then left the store.

CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing to identify the suspect responsible, and detectives have issued an image of a woman they believe could assist with their investigation. 

Detective Inspector Yoseph Al-Ramadhan said: “This incident was unprovoked, and we are taking it very seriously as no one should be subjected to, or tolerate, such abhorrent behaviour.

“Everyone, no matter what their background or religious beliefs, should not be subjected to such abuse and feel threatened or targeted in this manner.

“Please be rest-assured that our enquiries continue to find the suspect, as such behaviour will not be tolerated.

“With this, I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which can help with our investigation to please contact us.

“I am also appealing to the woman featured in this image, or anyone who recognises her to come forward. We believe she could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.” 

If you have information on this incident please contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 23000744820.

You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.