Woman spat at in Leicester street asks: Did thug attack me because of my hijab?

A young woman has described how scared she felt when a thug spat at her in the street, apparently because she was wearing a Muslim head scarf.

The 20-year-old, who has asked not to be named, was assaulted as she walked along Humberstone Road, near Leicester city centre.

One of three men spat at her, hitting her on the leg, as he and two other men walked past her. The men then laughed at her as they walked away.

She believes she was picked on because she wears a hijab – a head scarf which leaves the face uncovered.

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She said: "It was a horrible experience. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before, I have never felt so horrendous.

"That man just spat at me as he and his friends walked past and they all laughed at what he had done.

"I was so scared I just kept on walking and didn't say anything because I didn't want to provoke him in case he came back.

"It has affected me. That is my route to university but now I will only go by bus or make sure I have someone to walk with.

"I don't know why he did this to me because he and his friends didn't say anything – apart from laughing at me.

"I can only think it was because of my appearance, because I wear a hijab."

Police have appealed for help tracing the man and his two friends, who targeted the woman near the St Matthew's petrol station shortly before 1pm on Monday, February 4.

Officers have released a CCTV image of three youths they want to question. The Mercury published the image last week, but no arrests have yet been made.

Pc Dave Adams said: "We will not tolerate people feeling intimidated and frightened on our streets."

The three suspects are white, aged about 19 and of slim build.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pc Adams on 101.