DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a 36-year-old man was racially abused while walking his child to school.

The incident happened as he passed a group of people drinking on a bench in Mote Road, Maidstone.

Dan Clegg, police media and communications officer for the Mid-Kent area, said: "It is alleged that one of the members of this group made several racist comments towards the man before he carried on past.

"The man who made the alleged comments is described as being white, 5ft 9in tall and approximately 30-35 years old. He was wearing a white, short-sleeved t-shirt, blue jeans and trainers.

The incident happened at around 8am on Wednesday, September 6. Det Constable Geoff Banks said: "We are pleased that this incident has been reported to us as, all too often, many victims of hate crime will just accept this kind of behaviour.

"It is not acceptable and I am keen to speak to anyone who might have more information.

"The force is determined to deal with all race crimes firmly and robustly and we encourage any victims or witnesses of such incidents to report them to us."

Anyone with information about the incident in Mote Road is asked to call Maidstone Police Station on 01622 604180 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.