THE senior officer investigating a racially aggravated assault in Winscombe has praised residents for their help with police enquiries.

THE senior officer investigating a racially aggravated assault in Winscombe has praised residents for their help with police enquiries.

Detective inspector Andy Bevan made the comments when attending the Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council meeting on Thursday evening.

He also commended the efforts of PC Steve Church and police community support officer Emma Wright, who cover the Winscombe and Sandford area, for their help in the investigation.

The assault happened on October 6 and left a 47-year-old man with serious injuries.

Rafiq and Showkot Miah, who run the Indian take-away A Touch of Spice in Sandford Road, were attacked after leaving work.

Rafiq was left with a deep cut to one of his arms and he was also treated at Weston General Hospital in Grange Road, for bleeding on his brain.

Det Insp Bevan said: "I have been so impressed with the support that people from the local community have given to our investigation.

"We have received more than 30 witness statements. However, I would urge anyone else with information to still come forward.

"I would also like to give a lot of credit to PC Church and Emma Wright for their work relating to this incident. They have been a great help to me."

Parish council chairman Chris Sampson said: "I would like to emphasise how shocked we all are that such a horrific incident could happen in our parish."

Police arrested three men, aged 15, 16 and 22, as well as a 17-year-old girl on suspicion of racially aggravated assault.

All have been given bail pending further investigation.

If you have any information about the incident contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.