THE VICTIM of a racially motivated attack in Bodmin says he is so upset he will now be leaving the town.

The incident has been described as appalling by police and the town mayor.

Muhammad Fiaz, 45, was verbally abused and had paint thrown over him, his till and stock at the Costcutter shop in Fore Street on Saturday.

Police say a gang of youths entered the store between 8pm and 9pm and carried out the racist attack.

Mr Fiaz said the incident had left him so upset that he was considering moving away from the town.

The father of five came to Bodmin five months ago to manage the shop but now wants to return to London to be reunited with his family.

"After this incident they're terrified as well and don't want to come down here," he said.

"After Christmas, I'll go back. It was a very ugly scene in the shop. It was very bad."

Mr Fiaz said he'd never been targeted before and had received a warm welcome when he came to Cornwall.

"Most people are lovely," he said. "There have been no problems like this before.

"After the incident people living round here have been helping and consoling us. They've been very sympathetic and I'm really thankful for that.

"I'd like to thank all the community here."

Bodmin police inspector Ian Drummond-Smith said: "This is an appalling crime that's unusual for Bodmin.

"The offenders are believed to be a group of at least four local youths aged in their mid to late teens.

Hate

"Devon and Cornwall Police take hate crimes very seriously. We have a positive and robust policy in dealing with any hate crime and hate incidents."

In response to the incident Bodmin's mayor Ralph Solomons said: "I'm absolutely appalled that this has happened in Bodmin.

"I can't understand what has motivated local teenagers to carry out a racial attack. Maybe they need a better education. We live in a multiracial society and we've had many Portuguese and Polish people living happily in the town for many years.

"History teaches us that exclusion never helps. Mixing the races helps to improve human relations and build a strong community.

"I appeal to anyone who has information about this incident to contact the police. This sort of behaviour needs to be nipped in the bud."

Lance Kennedy, Cornwall councillor for Bodmin East and portfolio-holder for community safety and public protection, said tougher measures needed to be put in place.

The retired police officer said: "We have a police inspector who's familiar with the Newquay Safe no-nonsense policy and it's now obvious that these measures are needed for Bodmin."

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact Bodmin police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting police log number 689 12/11.

A 14-year-old girl was arrested on Monday and at the time of going to press was due to appear before Bodmin Magistrates' Court charged with criminal damage, assault, a racially aggravated public order offence and breach of bail.