POLICE are looking to trace a woman who was subjected to verbal abuse outside the entrance to a Chelmsford shopping centre.

The woman had been walking near the market entrance to High Chelmer at approximately 4pm on Thursday, August 2 when she was approached by a group of four people who followed and verbally abused her about her gender.

Investigating officer, PC Ann-Marie Pitcher, said: “We treat hate crime seriously and this appears to be an unprovoked verbal attack on this woman. It was reported to us a week late by a witness who was appalled at the abuse. We want the woman to come forward as well as any other witnesses.”

The group consisted of two young men and two young women.

Anyone with information in connection with this hate crime is urged to contact investigating officers at Chelmsford police station on 101.