Leominster Police are carrying out a major investigation following what they have described as a racist incident.

The open-air incident - which was understood to involve a large number of people including juveniles - happened in the town on July 11. Brief details have only just been made public in the police 'Newsbeat' bulletin for August.

Out of the July tally of 54 arrests for all crimes in Leominster, 22 were for assault and public order.

"The increase in public order arrests is due, in part, to the arrest of a number of juveniles following a racist incident in the town," says the bulletin. "More will be arrested in relation to the same incident.

"All racist and hate crime incidents are abhorrent and will be thoroughly and vigorously investigated with a view to prosecuting offenders and to prevent such incidents in the future."

Inspector Sheila Thornes of Leominster Police said a lengthy investigation was ongoing. It involved interviews with a large number of people, including witnesses.

She said she was unable to outline the nature of the incident.

"There are still a number of people to be interviewed and the case is sub-judice," said Insp Thornes.

The full facts of the case would emerge when it is dealt with at court, she added.