Police say a teenage girl who was attacked had been the victim of a racially aggravated assault.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says the victim was pushed, slapped across the face and had her hair pulled by three teenage girls in High Street, Watford, on Thursday, August 22.

Police believe the assault happened between 4pm and 4.20pm.

Officers investigating are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

PC Thomas Coulton, who is investigating, said: “Due to the nature of the comments made during this incident, we are treating this as a racially aggravated assault. Understandably, the victim was incredibly shaken up by what happened.

“We are aware that this occurred a while ago now but, as we have now exhausted all other lines of enquiry, we want to make sure we give any other witnesses the chance to come forward. If you did see what happened, the chances are it would have stuck in your mind.

“If you believe that you may have witnessed the incident take place, or have any information you think could assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information can report it online at herts.police.uk/report or call 101 quoting reference 41/76452/19.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.