A family was pelted with stones and a man and his dog were attacked in two incidents of racial abuse in Folkestone.

The attacks happened within minutes of each other at about 5.30pm yesterday.

The first came after a man and a woman intervened after witnessing three men being racially abusive towards people walking along The Leas.

When challenged, the man was assaulted and his dog was kicked.

At around a similar time, a family sitting nearby on the beach at Sandgate Esplanade, near the Earls Avenue area, was approached and racially abused.

Stones were thrown at the victims and one of them was kicked and punched and had to go to hospital.

A 21-year-old man from Deal was arrested on suspicion of assault and a public order offence and taken into custody. He has since been released without charge.

Detectives investigating the two reports believe they are linked and want to hear from witnesses to either attack.

Anyone who has dash cam footage is being urged to come forward.

Witnesses should call police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/118824/22.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or using the online form on its website.