Police investigating a hate crime against the Nepalese community have been unable to identify any suspects.

Arsonists attacked two vehicles, one a car belonging to a former Gurkha soldier, during the night in Maidstone last month - sparking an outpouring of community support for the victims.

A crowdfunding appeal for the former serviceman whose car was destroyed raised almost £1,400 in small donations from well-wishers both in the town and further afield.

The incident also prompted a letter from the UK Nepal Friendship Society (UKNFS) to Kent Police and senior politicians in the county demanding action in response to the attacks, which the family of the retired Gurkha believe were inspired by Covid-19.

Writing in response to that letter, Kent Police's district commander Chief Inspector Ray Quiller has confirmed that officers were unable to identify any suspects.

"Throughout, the investigation has been overseen by an experienced local Detective Inspector," he said a the letter seen by KentOnline, which is co-signed with Maidstone Borough Council chief executive Alison Broom.

"Both incidents have been investigated as hate crimes and as with all crimes of this nature the victims have been offered an enhanced level of contact and support. As the district commander, I have received daily updates from our CID officers on the investigation and been assured all reasonable lines of enquiry have been completed.

"Enquiries have included the scoping of any CCTV in the area, extensive house to house enquiries and engagement with the community to ascertain if there were any witnesses to the incidents.

"Unfortunately, despite these extensive enquiries we have been unable to identify any suspects at this current time."

Responding to the police and council communication, the UKNFS welcomed the support given to the Nepalese community following the incidents in April.

Alan Mercel-Sanca, chief executive of the UKNFS, said: "The response of fundraising and solidarity by the local community towards the attacks targets is outstanding, and provides a very valuable example of community cohesion at its very best."

However calls for extra efforts to increase education aimed at reducing anti-Asian anti-social behaviour in the wider community have been renewed by the UKNFS.

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