A disabled Poole man has been the victim of a hate crime.

The victim, who suffers from cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was verbally abused by another man who was walking past him in Terence Avenue at around 12.40pm on Tuesday 2 February. The man then spat at the victim, with his saliva making contact with their wheelchair.

The offender is described as being of mixed race aged in his early 20s, around six feet tall and of slim build. He was wearing a khaki camouflage baseball cap and trousers and a black hooded jacket.

Police Constable Dan Goodman, of Poole police, said, “This was a truly shocking incident and we are determined to identify the man responsible.

“We are carrying out a number of enquiries and I would urge anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information about the identity of the offender to please contact us.”

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 55210020075. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.