POLICE are investigating whether an unprovoked attack on a woman in Salisbury on Friday night was racially motivated following the EU referendum vote.

The Polish woman, in her late 20s, was walking down an alleyway between Clarendon Road and Kelsey Road, Salisbury when she was hit in the face and body.

She did not require medical treatment, but was left shaken and frightened after the incident which happened between 10pm and 10.30pm.

Salisbury voted on Thursday to leave the EU by 52 to 48 per cent in a mirror of the national vote.

It comes after reports from around the country of a surge in hate crime since the referendum.

DC Greg Fergusson, based at Salisbury police station, said: "We want to reassure the community, particularly the Polish community, that this appears to be an isolated incident and we are already following lines of enquiry to find the culprits.

"We have been carrying out investigations in the area and there have been increased patrols from our neighbourhood policing teams to make sure the public feel safe and reassured."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire Angus Macpherson said he was "disturbed" by reported rises in racially-aggravated and religious incidents across the country.

"Some of these incidents are very serious, and suggest that there are people who feel that the result of Thursday’s vote somehow means that this is no longer criminal behaviour," he said. "On the contrary, in or out of Europe, they remain crimes and dealing with them effectively and robustly is a policing priority.

"Wiltshire Police is committed to bringing cases of such assaults, abuse or harassment before the courts."

The suspects from the attack on Friday are described as being around 5ft 10ins tall and of average build.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious should call DC Fergusson at Salisbury CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.