AN image has been released of a woman police would like to identify after a taxi driver was racially abused and hit on the head in Bournemouth.

The victim, a male taxi driver in his 40s, picked up a female customer in Carysfort Road, Boscombe, at around 3.30am on Sunday, July 11, 2021.

After a few minutes, it is reported that the woman was racially abusive toward the driver before the victim told the woman that he would not take her any further on her journey.

It is then reported that the woman hit the driver on his head a number of times.

Police constable Kristy Heron, of Dorset Police, said: “I have been carrying out extensive enquiries into this incident so far, including tracing the number used to book the taxi, but these have so far proved unsuccessful.

“I have now obtained a statement from the victim and am in a position to issue an image of a woman I would like to identify. I would urge anyone who recognises her to please come forward.

“Dorset Police does not tolerate hate crime and we will do all we can to thoroughly investigate reports and support victims.”

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 55210110389. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.