POLICE are seeking witnesses after officers were notified of an alleged racially-aggravated public order offence outside the Islamic Centre in Exeter on Saturday, June 10.

The incident occurred around 8.30pm just after a peace walk and vigil in Bedford Square, Exeter, which had been arranged by, amongst others, Exeter Mosque and attended by hundreds of people.

Shortly after the vigil, three men attended Exeter Mosque and allegedly made racially-aggravated verbally abusive comments to those within.

A 31-year-old man, a 26-year-old and a 24-year-old were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Superintendent Sam de Reya said: “These allegations are extremely disappointing, especially after such an uplifting event such as the vigil and we will not tolerate such appalling incidents of hate crime in Devon and Cornwall. We are appealing to anyone who has further information.

“The vigil and march through the city was well-supported and illustrative of the manner in which the people of Exeter come together to assert the value of inclusion and tolerance, taking a strong and united stand against extremism and in support of the victims of both the Manchester and London terrorist attacks.

“Celebrating our wonderfully diverse communities in Exeter is demonstrating the overwhelming support for each other.”

If anyone has any information please contact the police by email at: [email protected] or telephone 101, quoting crime reference CR/045855/17.

You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Alan Quick