Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information about a man of interest connected to a recent alleged hate crime targeting Jehovah’s Witnesses.
On the evening of Friday, 20 March, a threatening letter was left at a residence associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses in Minehead at approximately 8:20 pm. This incident is part of a broader series of hate crimes directed at the Christian group and their Kingdom Hall on Mart Road.
As part of their investigation, officers have released a CCTV image of a man they believe may have crucial information. The man is notably dressed in a white cowboy-style hat, chequered trousers, and a jumper featuring a white stripe down the sleeve.
READ MORE: Historic Somerset Coastal Pub Set for Major Refurbishment
READ MORE: Monty Don Reveals How to Remove Lawn Moss and Grow Thicker Grass
Detective Constable Louis Morris of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) urged anyone who saw a man matching this description in the town centre around the time of the incident to come forward.
“A man in his fifties has already been arrested and released on conditional bail while inquiries continue,” Det Con Morris stated. “We take hate crimes very seriously and are working closely with community and faith groups to ensure safety and support.”
The police encourage anyone with information, no matter how minor it might seem, to contact their neighbourhood officers or Avon and Somerset Police directly. They emphasize that hate crime will not be tolerated, and all reported incidents will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served.
Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the man in the cowboy hat is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting reference 5226045306, or use the online appeals form. Alternatively, confidential information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or their Anonymous Online Form.