A man has lost his job after a video appearing to show a racist incident in the street in Bolton was posted on Twitter. Footage, reported to have been shot on Blackburn Road on Friday, September 30, has appeared on the social media platform.
The video appeared to show a man racially abusing an Asian couple. The man has lost his job, the Manchester Evening News has established.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have arrested a man in his 50s from Blackburn on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence; and assault. He has since been released under investigation.
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The footage prompted wide-spread outrage on social media, with people contacting the company to alert them. The man was seen taking pictures of a car which had apparently been involved in a crash. He appears to abuse the couple, before seeming to knock the phone being used to record him to the ground.
Rabiya Jiva, shadow member for safer communities and policing at Bolton council said: "I wasn't aware of the incident until it was sent to me on social media and WhatsApp groups.
"We've had a good response from GMP and I've been told a man has been arrested. I think it was the correct response and I want to advise the community that GMP takes racial hatred and hate crimes seriously."
A spokesperson for the man's firm confirmed he had been sacked. Responding to said: "It is not something that we as a reputable company tolerate. The employee has been dealt with. We pride ourselves on providing a service which is second to none and all our staff are ambassadors of our business and as such this behaviour is not acceptable. We will be liaising with all involved parties and assisting in any further enquiries where required."
Greater Manchester Police said: "Our officers were called shortly after 9am on Friday 30 September to Blackburn Road in Bolton to a report of a road traffic collision and reports of a disturbance.
"Our enquiries have established that a 39-year-old man and a 39- year-old woman were assaulted and have suffered from minor injuries. During the assault, the man and woman were subject to racial verbal abuse.
"A man in his 50s from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order and assault. He has since been released under investigation."
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