Police were called after a group of racist youths spat and shouted at Nepalese women and pelted them with rocks.

The gang, including two boys aged 12 and 14 and a 14-year-old girl, were seen attacking them in Queen Mother Park near Henwood, Ashford.

A witness saw them goading the women and shouting racist language at them, and was concerned because the park is a popular spot for dog walkers and the elderly who may be vulnerable.

He said: “They were throwing rocks and spitting at the women, threatening them with abusive and racist language and names.

“There was a girl and boys who were just goading, which is all they do to see if they can get a reaction. The more reaction they get the more brave they seem to be.”

A group of youths were later stopped and arrested by police at 3pm in Bank Street in the town centre for breaching a dispersal order.

It is understood that the Nepalese women who were targeted have not reported the matter.

Police spokesman Natalie Hardy said there had been a disturbance reported at the Queen Mother Park at 12.30pm on Monday.

She also confirmed later that day three youths were arrested on suspicion of breaching a dispersal order imposed on February 5 and February 6. They have since been bailed.

Sagarmatha Gurkha and Nepalese Community chairman Bhaskar Titung said he was saddened to hear about the attack, but it had not been reported to him.

He said: “If such things happen it is of course very worrying for the community, but I am not aware of such racial incidents in Ashford.

“While you cannot expect everyone to be nice to you wherever you go, you find one or two nasty people in all societies, but overall we find that most of the people in Ashford are nice and welcoming to us.

“I have lived here for 10 years now and consider Ashford my home town, living happily without any problems.”