Detectives investigating allegations of an assault in a fast food restaurant in which a woman’s hair was set alight have released CCTV images of the suspects.

Officers were alerted following reports of an attack at McDonald’s in St George’s Street, Canterbury, between 2am and 2.30am on Friday.

According to social media reports the attack was racially motivated, though police were unable to confirm whether this was a specific line of enquiry.

The victim had been waiting for friends in the restaurant when three men entered.

It is alleged one of the suspects set fire to the victim's hair while another reportedly filmed the incident on his mobile phone.

A friend of the victim claimed the attack was racially motivated, posting on a Kent University Facebook page: "To the disgusting person in McDonalds tonight who set my friends hair on fire simply because she is not white.

"You are disgusting and a disgrace to the human race, she did absolutely nothing to you as she was simply waiting around for myself and others who were waiting for food.[sic]"

Witness Andrew Harris commented on Facebook: "I do hope the person who did it is put forward, as well as his scum bag friend who recorded it on their phone."

A McDonald's spokesperson said: "We are aware of the incident and are cooperating with the police in their inquiries."

Police have released three CCTV images of the suspects - one of whom is seen wearing distinctive pink trainers.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Barry Carr of Kent Police said: "Fortunately the fire was put out quickly and the victim was not seriously hurt, but things could clearly have turned out much worse.

"This was a nasty and extremely dangerous thing to do, and I urge anyone who recognises the men in the CCTV images to contact me as soon as possible."

Potential witnesses are asked to ring police on 101 quoting crime reference ZY/5093/15.

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