POLICE are appealing for witnesses to what they describe as a racially motivated assault which resulted in a man being pushed into a river.

The victim, a 33-year-old British man of Asian appearance, was subjected to racial abuse in Pencester Gardens, Dover, at around 3.15pm on Sunday. The offender then pushed the man hard in the chest which made him fall into the River Dour.

The offender is described as white, in his mid 20s, 6ft to 6ft 2in tall, of medium build, with short, dark, blond hair. He was clean shaven and had a local accent. He was wearing a white zip sweat shirt and a white t-shirt with a red pattern on it.

Det Con Rebecca Lown said: "This was an unprovoked, racist assault on a man who was minding his own business. The offender needs to be caught and dealt with."

Anyone with information should contact DC Lown on 01304 240055, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.