Police are appealing for witnesses to a hate crime incident in Gloucester where a man was subjected to homophobic verbal abuse.

At approximately 7.20am on Tuesday morning, the victim was cycling on Barton Street towards Chequer's and the Friendship Café when he was approached by another man who was also on a bicycle.

The man ruffled his fingers through the victim's hair and made homophobic comments before riding away and returning when the victim was near to the Co-operative Funeral Home.

It's believed that the offender then got off his bike and grabbed the victim as he cycled past before attempting to drag him off whilst shouting more homophobic comments.

The victim managed to ride off and was understandably upset following the ordeal.

The offender was described as being a white man who was around 6ft 1 tall and had short light brown hair.

He was described as being in his mid-30s, of a scruffy appearance and was riding a black bicycle.

We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Barton Street at the time and may have dashcam footage of the incident taking place.

If you can help please call 101 quoting incident number 96 of 23 July.

Gloucestershire Constabulary Hate Crime Coordinator PC Steph Lawrence said: "It is extremely important for victims to report both hate crimes/hostility and we encourage them to, no matter how small they think the incident is.

"These incidents can be reported by contacting the police or via the Glos Victim Support alternative reporting route.

"Gloucestershire Constabulary is committed to striving for a county that is safe for everyone".