POLICE have released an image of a man they would like to speak to after a couple were racially abused in Hampshire.

The couple were walking along the footpath behind Churchward Gardens in Hedge End when a man walking a grey coloured dog started shouting racial abuse at them.

The victims described the dog as a “Staffordshire or Pitball type breed”.

The man is described as being in his early 60’s, with a slim build and wearing a dark coloured hooded top with the hood up and blue denim jeans.

Officers investigating have now released an efit of the man they would like to trace.

PC Carl Osman, said: “This incident took place within the quiet area of Dowds Farm. However, there would have been lots of other people walking their dogs in the area at the time and it is likely someone saw or heard what happened.

If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch with us. I would also urge anyone who recognises the man in the efit, to come forward and help us find the person responsible.”

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened on May 6, at around 10.25am, should contact PC Osman at Hedge End police station or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.