A FORMAL complaint has been lodged against Hampshire Constabulary after claims officers failed to investigate an alleged hate crime in Headley Down.

Police were called to reports of a “hate-related public order incident” at an address in Larch Road just before 10.30am on December 4.

According to an eye witness, an African family was racially abused and told to “go back to their own country as you don’t belong here”.

But blaming a lack of evidence, Hampshire Police subsequently “filed” the incident, with no action taken against the alleged perpetrator.

However, the witness is now disputing the force’s claim that a “full investigation” was conducted, claiming officers had repeatedly failed to take his statement.

The witness, who has asked not be named, told the Herald: “I told the police what I heard and saw, but they didn’t take a statement on the day and I have not been taken seriously throughout the investigation.

“They have told the African family there are no witnesses, which is awkward as I was the only witness and the police are basically telling them I am not giving evidence.”

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “A full investigation was conducted. However, due to a lack of evidence this incident has been filed with no further action.

“We have since received a complaint, and this is being handled by the Professional Standards Department, so we will not be commenting any further on this.”