DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses to an incident in which a 39-year-old man says he was racially abused.

The man was working in his shop on Queens Way, Sheerness, when he claims a customer started causing a disturbance inside the premises.

The customer was subsequently asked to leave at which point he allegedly became racially abusive towards the shopkeeper.

The alleged incident happened at about 9.30pm on Friday November 17.

Police would now like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of the shop at the time and might have witnessed the incident.

The man is described as being white, in his early 20s, around 6ft tall with a slim build and cropped, black hair. He was said to be wearing a long black coat at the time.

Det Con Paul Fewtrell said: "Nobody should have to tolerate this kind of behaviour, especially when they are at work and making a living.

"I am very keen to speak to anyone who might have been in this man’s shop at this time on Friday night and can shed any light on what took place to help us with our investigation."

Anyone with any further information is asked to contact DC Paul Fewtrell on 01795 419347 or call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged incident and has been bailed pending further enquiries.