A WOMAN suffered verbal abuse at a restaurant in York in what police have described as a "hate crime".

North Yorkshire Police said a woman in her 20s was walking through the two sets of doors of the main entrance to the Pear Tree Farm restaurant, in Monks Cross Drive, when a man began to verbally abuse her in an aggressive tone.

The force said that the incident "caused significant fear, alarm and distress to both the victim and the patient she was caring for who was in a wheelchair".

It added: "The unknown man then proceeded to follow the victim to her car, which heightened her fear."

The incident is said to have happened at around 5.45pm on February 27, but details have just been released.

In a statement the force said: "We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

"Anyone who was in the restaurant at the time of the incident is asked to contact police."

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Chris Dalby. You can also email chris.dalby@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12190037285.