Merseyside Police has issued CCTV images of two people officers believe may have vital information following an incident at a convenience store in Southport on Thursday, 12 March.
During the incident, officers were called to Daly Mart, Duke Street, at around 10.50pm, by the owner of the shop reporting that he had asked two youths to leave the premises at around 9pm. He then suffered racist abuse and the youths are believed to have thrown objects at him outside the shop.
No-one was injured during the incident.
Patrols attended and witnesses have been spoken to. CCTV opportunities from the area have been located and reviewed and regular patrols are now visiting the shop to provide support and reassurance to the owner.
Detective Inspector Jimmy Belmar from the specialist SIGMA hate crime unit in Sefton said: “This was a frightening and distressing incident for the shopkeeper and I want to reassure the community in Southport that a thorough investigation is continuing.
“Small business owners provide a vital service which people appreciate and we won’t tolerate anyone who uses threatening behaviour or racist language towards them.
“The force’s specialist SIGMA unit has dedicated officers who are specially trained to deal with all forms of hate crime. These officers are there to listen to victims, support them and make sure that they have the confidence to report any incidents.
“As part of our inquiries into this incident, we have issued CCTV stills of two people who we believe may have important information which could help us with our investigation.
“I would appeal to the people shown, or anyone who recognises them, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”
An investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the incident is continuing.
Anyone with information can call officers in Sefton’s SIGMA team on 0151 777 3020 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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