A Maidstone man has launched a Facebook appeal after his girlfriend was reportedly racially abused in front of their young child in the street.

The post, which has received over 4,800 shares, describes how the woman was walking and chatting with their daughter when, upon hearing her Portuguese accent, a man started to verbally abuse her.

Steve Leonard wrote on Facebook: "While talking in English to our daughter on Earl Street, a man walked past and picked up on the fact she has a Portuguese accent (midday before they won the Euros)."

The man then proceeded to swear at the woman, telling her to go back to her own country.

Luckily a heroic woman who witnessed the incident intervened and, after another witness shouted for him to stop, he fled the scene.

Mr Leonard praised their actions. He wrote: "Firstly, I’d like to thank the woman, whoever she is, for stepping in, and stopping the man beating her in front of her daughter.

"No one should be fearful of being racially abused, especially not women and children" - Steve Leonard

"They were both really shaken up and scared by the whole experience, so thank you."

The victim has lived in the UK for 20 years and has a skilled job. Mr Leonard fears the incident demonstrates heightened racial tensions.

He wrote: "It really scares me to think that we are living in a time where people think that because someone has a bit of an accent they are not welcome in this country and that she cannot walk into town without fearing someone like that could assault her in front of our children.

"No one should be fearful of being racially abused, especially not women and children."

A police spokesman confirmed officers want to speak to a man in connection with the incident.

The spokesman added: "Kent Police is investigating a reported public order offence which took place in Earl Street, Maidstone, at approximately 1pm on Sunday 10 July.

"A man is reported to have racially abused a woman and enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting YY/015004/16.

"Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111."