Keothavong was "disgusted" by the alleged incident

Three men have been arrested by police in Devon following allegations made by British number three Anne Keothavong that she was racially abused.

Keothavong, 27, is due to play in the AEGON GB Pro-Series Open tournament in Barnstaple, which begins on Monday.

Writing on Twitter, she said she was verbally abused outside her hotel.

A police statement said: "Police can confirm that a 27-year-old woman from London has made an allegation of a racially aggravated incident."

The statement continued: "Three men aged 20, 23, 25 have been arrested for this offence and for a separate shoplifting incident.

"They remain in police custody waiting to be interviewed. Police investigations continue."

Keothavong added that she was "fuming" and "disgusted" by the alleged incident and wrote: "I was on my own and completely outnumbered. Gave a statement to the police, hoping CCTV will get them."

Hackney-born Keothavong is among five top-100 women players set to compete in the seven-day tournament at Tarka Tennis Centre in Barnstaple.

The Briton won the tournament in 2008 and will be looking to regain her form following a lay-off with a hip injury.

A spokesman for the player confirmed that Keothavong still plans to take part in the tournament.

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