Bristol student hospitalised after racially motivated attack in city centre

An 18-year-old Chinese student has been left shaken after a racially aggravated attack in the heart of Bristol, prompting police to appeal for information.

The incident occurred on 27th September between 19:40 and 20:00 on Rupert Street, while the victim was walking alone. The BBC reports that the attack left the student with facial injuries which were treated in hospital. The victim is now recovering at home.

Police have since released CCTV footage of a woman they wish to identify in connection with the attack. The suspect is a white woman with blue hair, estimated to be in her early twenties.

The assault has sparked concern among Bristol’s student community, with police working alongside university staff to support the victim and address safety concerns. Officers have maintained contact with the victim in their continued investigation.

Photo: Avon and Somerset Police

As seen above, the woman wore a dark jacket with a logo on the left sleeve, over a blue hoodie, black trousers and white Crocs-style shoes. She appears to have hair that has been dyed either blue or green.

Det Con Georgia Pearce, of Avon and Somerset Police, has described the incident as “appalling” and emphasised that a “full investigation is under way”. She added that hate crime will not be tolerated in Bristol and that it is “generally a safe place to live, work and study”.

Detectives have urged anyone who recognises the photographed woman or has any information to contact the police, reaffirming hate crimes have no place in Bristol’s diverse community.