Police are investigating allegations of a racist assault in Witham town centre.

Officers have confirmed that a formal complaint has been made after an incident outside the Red Lion pub, in Newland Street, at about 11pm on Saturday.

Foster Asamani, of Tiberius Gardens, Witham, said the three alleged victims were relatives who had been visiting for the weekend.

Mr Asamani, whose family is of black African descent, claimed his relatives were subjected to racist verbal abuse from four men when they entered the Red Lion. He said that, after leaving, they were attacked in the street.

Mr Asamani, who was not present at the time of the incident, said his cousin, Michael Bourton, 28, of Chester, was punched and kicked and was briefly unconscious following the assault.

A police spokesman said: "Somebody did come to the police station, statements have been and are being taken, and an inquiry has commenced. We are treating it as a racially aggravated incident."

Witnesses or anyone with information should Det Con Kevin Collett of Witham CID on 01376 501212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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Published Wednesday, February 9, 2005

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