CCTV image released in connection with Minehead hate crime investigation

Police in Minehead have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with a reported hate crime targeting Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The incident happened on Friday, 20th March at approximately 8.20pm, when a threatening letter was left at a Jehovah’s Witness address, marking the latest event in a series of hate crimes aimed at the Christian group and the Kingdom Hall on Mart Road.

Investigating officers have conducted CCTV surveys, door-to-door inquiries, and forensics, and believe the man pictured may have information that could aid their investigation.

DC Louis Morris from Avon and Somerset Police’s Investigation Department shared: “This is the latest in a series of incidents relating to a wider investigation into hate crime targeting the Jehovah’s Witness community. We continue to work closely with community groups and faith organisations to offer support and to make sure everyone feels safe."

The man captured in the image is described as wearing a white cowboy-style hat, chequered trousers, and a jumper with a white stripe down the sleeve.

Authorities are calling for anyone who may have seen a man matching this description in the town centre on the evening of the incident to come forward.

Additionally, a man in his fifties has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on conditional bail while investigations proceed.

DC Morris urged residents with any information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward and contact neighbourhood officers engaging in reassurance patrols.

“There is absolutely no place in our communities for hate crime, and we would urge anybody who witnesses such incidents to report them because we will investigate them fully and ensure justice is served,” Morris said.

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