HAMPSHIRE police have confirmed they are investigation alleged racial abuse against a news presenter in the county.
Sima Kotecha, from Basingstoke, has spoken of her shock at being called a "p***" in her home town.
Mrs Kotecha, 36, who is a reporter on BBC Radio 4, said that she had not heard the word used in the area since the 1980s.
Her post on Twitter this afternoon has already been retweeted more than 1,600 times.
In utter shock: just been called p**i in my home town! Haven't heard that word here since the 80s..!
— Sima Kotecha (@sima_kotecha) June 27, 2016
Police have now said they are looking into the claims.
A spokesman said: "We can confirm we are investigating an allegation of racial abuse in Basingstoke that was reported on social media yesterday, and we are making every effort to contact and engage with the victim.
"We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
"We would strongly encourage anyone who has been the victim or who has witnessed a hate crime to report it to us on 101.
"Alternatively, people can leave information anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, call 999."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel