KINGSTON police have arrested a man on suspicion of "racially aggravated" damage after paint was thrown at a parade celebrating Tamil heritage in New Malden.

The incident took place during a procession of Tamil performers and members of the public down New Malden high street on the morning of Saturday 22 January.

The parade was part of wider Kingston borough celebrations of Tamil heritage and the harvest festival Thai Pongal.

According to police, a small tin of paint was dropped from a second floor window onto the parade, splashing around half a dozen attendees and their clothing.

Police are currently looking into the motivation for the paint throwing.

A spokesperson for the force told Nub News today: "The male was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage.

"He has since been released under investigation.

"Whether the incident was racially aggravated or not is under investigation."

Kingston police have put out an appeal for victims and witnesses to the incident to come forward. Please call 101 ref CAD 2868/22JAN22

According to Citizen's Advice, a criminal offence is racially or religiously aggravated "if at the time it is committed, the offender is insulting about the victim's membership (or presumed membership) of a racial or religious group, or the offence is motivated by hostility towards members of a particular racial or religious group."

Offences include criminal damage, assault and harassment.

Support for victims and advice on how to report these incidents can be found at Citizen's Advice.

You can contact them on their website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/ or call their England advice line on 0800 144 8848.