POLICE have launched an investigation after a young man was verbally abused and punched in a racist incident.

The victim, who is Polish, suffered a cut to the inside of his mouth.

It happened in the Sandling Road/Randall Street area of Maidstone on November 3 at around 4pm. The victim, who is in his 20s, lives in Maidstone.

Gianna Pollero, police media and communications officer for Mid-Kent, said: "He was punched by a male offender who had previously made racist remarks to him and his friends earlier in the afternoon."

The offender is described as white, aged around 20, approximately 5ft 10in tall with short, black, shaved hair. He was wearing a white scarf and a white long sleeved T-shirt.

He was with a number of other men, one of whom is also described as a white man, aged around 20. He was slightly taller, had short, blond hair and was wearing a blue jacket and a blue top with a red horizontal stripe across the front of it.

Ms Pollero added: "Racist incidents in this area are unusual and police are keen to find the offenders as soon as possible."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Mid Kent Police on 01622 604180, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – this call is free and confidential.