TWO Russian men were assaulted and chased in a suspected racially motivated attack in Taunton.

The men were assaulted by a group of three white men on September 6 at around 9.30pm outside of a shop on East Reach.

Avon and Somerset Police beat manager for the area, PC Tim Mason, said: “The two victims, who are Russian, were standing outside a Polish shop located at the top of East Reach when the group of males walked past.

"Comments were made towards the two victims and one was then pushed.

"Further physical assaults occurred and the victims were also chased.

“We believe this was a racially motivated assault, and I am keen to speak to anyone who might have information as to the identity of the three suspects.

"We won’t tolerate any kind of hate crime in Taunton - as the beat manager for the area, I want to make that very clear.

“If you did witness the assault, or you have any information that could help is with our enquiries, I would be very grateful if you could get in touch.”

You can either call PC Mason on the 101 number or email him via www.avonandsomerset.police.uk, quote URN: 5216223728

If you don’t want to speak to the police directly, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

They never ask your name or trace your call and you could earn a cash reward.