A Muslim woman's veil was snatched from her by a man who shouted racist abuse at a bus stop in Liverpool. The 49-year-old, from Toxteth, was at the junction of Kensington and Holt Road when her veil was snatched by a tall white man in his 60s.
Insp Saied Mostaghel, of Merseyside Police, said: "This was a despicable attack, which has left the victim feeling extremely shocked and upset."
He added that police would not tolerate hate crimes.
"This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities and I would reassure local people that we are treating the matter very seriously," he said.
"We will be meeting with community leaders tomorrow to discuss any concerns they may have and I would ask anyone who may know who is responsible for this to come forward."
The attacker is described as slim with silver-grey hair and was wearing a light khaki jacket and grey trousers.