A Polish woman was kicked in the head and body by four women in a serious racist attack in a Poole pub.

The 28-year-old woman from Poland, who now lives in Poole, was assaulted on the dance floor of Yates bar on the High Street at 11pm on Saturday, June 20. Police have only just released the details and are appe-aling for witness to come forward.

The victim suffered extensive bruising after being kicked over and over in the head and body during the sustained attack. Police Constable Fay Sweeting, of Poole police, said: “This was a serious and a racially aggravated assault – the victim was dancing when a woman approached her and asked where she was from. She was then grabbed by the hair and pulled to the ground and three other women began kicking and punching her.”

“There were a number of people in the bar and I would like to hear from all those who were there at the time and who witnessed this incident, and from anyone who has any information about the culprits, as soon as possible.”

Bournemouth and Poole have a thriving Polish community, which now has its own newspaper, the Poli-sh Courier, which publishes more than 3,000 copies each week, and several local churches hold services in Polish.

Arek Narciszek, editor and founder of the Courier or ‘Polskikurier’ which is distributed throughout the area, said he was shocked by the incident.

“I’ve heard of verbal assaults on Polish people – although that hardly ever happens,” he said. “But I’ve never heard of someone treating someone Polish like this – especially a girl.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or Crimesto-ppers on 0800 555 111.