CCTV appeal following racially-aggravated assault in Bournemouth

The incident happened at around 3.10pm on Sunday 9 December 2018 in Beales on Old Christchurch Road.

The victim – an Indonesian woman aged in her 50s who lives in Bournemouth – was shopping in the store when she was approached by a man at the MAC makeup counter who falsely claimed to be a makeup artist.

The man offered her a free makeover and because he was smartly dressed and friendly she believed he was genuine.

He then roughly caked her face in white makeup, which caused a great deal of irritation and reddening to her face.

He was then challenged by a member of staff before he made off from the store. Following enquiries it was established that the man is not a member of staff.

Police Constable Alex Knapp, of Bournemouth police, said, “The victim is understandably very upset by the incident and I am now in a position to issue a CCTV image of the man I would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

“I would ask that anyone with information, or who can identify the man pictured, contacts Dorset Police.

“We take hate crime very seriously and we are carrying out a full investigation to identify the man responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180198927. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.