Racist incidents probed by police

3:10pm Thursday 28th August 2008

MYSTERY continues to surround why a Swindon couple were targeted by a racist who bellowed death threats.

The Covingham couple’s ordeal began in May when a complete stranger tried to kick down their front gate.

The man shouted racial insults at the couple and threatened to kill them.

He also appeared to be relaying his actions to someone via a mobile phone.

He left the scene just before police arrived.

The couple, an English man and a Polish woman who have lived in Swindon for 28 years, were left fearing for their lives.

They spent that night sleeping on camp beds next to their back door, terrified they would be firebombed.

They hoped that the attack was a case of mistaken identity and that they would be left alone.

But at the beginning of August the same man returned.

He shouted the same racial insults and kicked the fence at the back of the couple’s house.

He was very loud and abusive and the couple described him as being full of hatred.

He returned again in the early hours of August 17.

The attacks left the couple feeling frightened and vulnerable.

They said they had no idea who the man was or why he chose to target them.

Acting Detective Inspector Gillard of Swindon CID said: “The victims of this crime have suffered a particularly harrowing series of events that has affected their day to day life. I want to make it very clear that offending behaviour such as this will not be tolerated.

“My staff are committed to providing a high level of service to victims of crime and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.

“We want Wiltshire to be the safest county in which to live in and work.

“In order to help achieve this we are asking for the public to come forward with any information that will assist the investigation team in tracing this suspect.”

PC Lisa Tucker, who investigated the incident, said: “A male from the Covingham area was arrested on Saturday, August 23, in relation to these offences. He has been questioned by police and released on bail pending further enquires. “This is a very positive outcome for both the victims and the police.

“This kind of behaviour is not acceptable in 2008 and with a few further enquires we are hoping for a charge and court appearance for the offender.”

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Tucker or Ben Collier at Gablecross Police Station on 0845 4087000 and quote Operation Dunstable.

They can also email on lisa.tucker@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk or ben.collier@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.