Mixed-race heartache

Mixed-race couples are regular victims of racial abuse and most often suffer taunts from blacks, it is claimed today. An estimated 40 per cent of black men and 20 per cent of black women have a white partner.

According to Company magazine, which published the claims, black men who go out with white women come in for the most flak, because it is feared they then turn their back on black culture.

Interviews with 10 couples revealed they had routinely suffered racist jibes and were often forced to hide their relationship when out in public together.