Woman's hair set on fire at McDonald's in alleged racist attack

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning in the Canterbury branch of McDonald's

McDonald's Canterbury (Google Maps)

A woman’s hair was allegedly set on fire in a racist attack at a McDonald’s restaurant.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning between 2.05am and 2.30am in Canterbury, Kent. Police are now investigating the matter.

Witnesses claimed that the attack was racially motivated; however Kent Police could not confirm or deny this.

It is believed that the victim was waiting for a friend who was getting food when her hair was reportedly set alight.

An anonymous post on a university-related Facebook page said: “To the disgusting person in McDonald’s tonight who set my friend’s hair on fire simply because she is not white. You are disgusting and a disgrace to the human race.

“The fact you targeted her is disgusting, and that you left like a wimp without owning up to your criminal act makes you even more despicable. We have reported you to the police and we appeal to anyone who was there this evening to come forth with their reports/evidence.

“I cannot believe that in this day and age there are still people who are as racially discriminative and backwards thinking as you. Big loving to my girl who did not deserve this unjust act this evening, and I know others who were witness to this will agree.”

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating a suspected assault at the McDonald’s restaurant in St George’s Street, Canterbury, in which it was reported that a woman’s hair was set on fire. The alleged incident took place between 2.05am and 2.30am on Friday 20 February.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting crime reference ZY/5093/15.”