Surrey Police is investigating after a group of people were racially abused outside a pub in Earlswood in the early hours on Saturday (24 June).

The incident took place near the Old Chestnut public house in Earlswood Road around 12.15am. The suspects are alleged to have verbally abused the victims using Islamophobic language before pushing and rocking the vehicle that the victims were travelling in. The victims had been at the Mosque for worship prior to being targeted.

Officers have already carried out a number of enquiries, including speaking to a number of witnesses and house to house enquiries in the area, and are now examining CCTV images to help to identify the suspects.

Patrols have been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.

East Surrey Superintendent Clive Davies said: “We will not tolerate any form of hate crime and a full and thorough investigation is underway to identify the suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.

“We have also stepped up patrols in the area to provide a visible and reassuring presence.

“Surrey Police remains fully committed to investigating all reports of hate crime, and we are continuing to urge anyone who believes they have been the victim of hate crime to report it to us straightaway.”

If you witnessed this incident, or you have any other information which could assist the investigation, please contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 45170067079 or you can use the online reporting system found at https://report.police.uk and enter the reference number in the ‘Additional information’ section. Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.