A TEENAGER assaulted by a group of three girls sustained a cut to the face after an incident that police are now treating as hate crime.

The incident took place in Hamilton Park in Taunton on Thursday, June 27.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Officers investigating a hate crime in Taunton are appealing for the public’s help to aid in their enquiries.

“At around 3pm on Thursday, June 27, a teenager was verbally abused and physically assaulted by a group of three teenage girls in Hamilton Park, Taunton.

“Due to the nature of some of the verbal abuse, we are treating this incident as a hate crime.

“The victim sustained a cut to the face which did not require hospital treatment.

“All three girls were wearing balaclavas.

“One of the girls was wearing a black Nike tracksuit and trainers.

“The second was wearing shorts and a puffed jacket and the third was wearing a Hoodrick tracksuit.

“We are offering the victim support through Lighthouse Safeguarding Unit, our dedicated police department for victim and witness care and support.

“We have also provided the teenager and their family with additional links to external support agencies.

“If you saw anything, or have any information about the incident which could aid our investigation, please call us.

“If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224167908, or complete our online appeals form.

“You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.

“No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.”