The incident was caught on CCTV
A 28-year-old Muslim woman wearing a hijab was walking in Betchworth Road at around 9.30am on Tuesday, 29 September.
As she went to cross the road behind a van, it reversed into her before being driven away.
The incident was caught on CCTV, and a video of it has since been shared on social media.
Two days ago my friend’s sister was the victim of a racially motivated hit and run. His sister was wearing a hijab and recalls receiving a dirty look from the driver before this happened. The police have been informed but have not done much to help find out who he is. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/tymBx7jCIf
— Baby Goat ??? (@Blayofficial) October 1, 2020
Despite the claims that it was racially motivated, police say they “are keeping an open mind about any possible motive and taking the matter very seriously.”
The woman suffered bruising to her knee in the collision.
The Metropolitan Police said they are trying to locate the driver.
“He is described as white and aged [in his] late 20s to early 30s with blond hair,” a statement from the force said. “He was driving a white Ford Transit van which also contained a passenger.”
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Anyone who can help or may have dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 1820/29Sep.
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Tags: Seven Kings, Redbridge