POLICE in Stirling are appealing for witnesses following a racially-motivated disturbance in the city centre.

The incident happened around 10pm on Wednesday, May 31, at the Taste Budz takeaway on Maxwell Place.

Staff were working within when a man entered and shouted offensive comments at them before leaving.

The male was then seen in possession of a shopping trolley on Murray Place where he spoke to a woman at a taxi rank and then walked off onto Port Street.

Inquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

He is described as white, mid-twenties with a slim build and wearing a blue cap, blue hooded top and blue tracksuit bottoms. He was also carrying a bag.

Constable Ian Marshall from Stirling Police Station said: "The comments made to the staff at this premises were completely unacceptable and we are pursuing various lines of local inquiries to trace the male responsible.

"We are treating this incident as a hate crime and anyone who believes they can assist with our investigation is urged to contact police immediately.

"Police Scotland is committed to tackling hate crime in all its forms and anyone found to be involved in offences of this nature will be robustly dealt with."

Anyone with information can contact Stirling Police Station via 101 and quote incident number 4339 of May 31.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.