Investigation launched after Leeds woman violently assaulted in three racist attacks in McDonald's

Sim Bhogal, 27, had been enjoying a night out with friends in the Head of Steam pub on Saturday, March 7 when she decided to go and get some food at about 10.40pm.

She left her friends and headed to the nearby McDonald's on Bond Street - just a one minute walk away from the pub.

While in the fast-food restaurant, Sim was confronted by a woman who began to make racist comments towards her.

Sim told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I was with my friends and fancied some food. McDonald's was only two seconds away so I thought I would just nip there and back.

"Unfortunately when I got there was this woman who obviously just wanted an argument.

"I tried to ignore her but she started getting abusive and commenting on my appearance.

"When I didn't respond she started making racist comments and calling me nasty names."

Sim continued to ignore her and turned to face away from the woman.

This was when the suspect launched one of three attacks on Sim, grabbing her by the hair and dragging her across the table.

The force of the attack meant that clumps of Sim's hair were pulled out.

Bouncers managed to force the woman outside of the store but she launched a second attack.

Sim explained: "She was taken outside by the bouncers but kept thrusting her hand through the door and she managed to grab hold of me again.

"I ended up being pulled through the door.

"Thankfully the bouncers and eyewitnesses managed to intervene and deescalate the situation."

The woman apparently left the area after bouncers told her that they had contacted the police.

However, it transpired that she had been hiding nearby and when Sim attempted to go back to the Head Of Steam, she was set upon again.

Bouncers at the Head of Steam managed to block the woman, preventing Sim from being assaulted for the third time.

West Yorkshire Police have now launched an investigation into the attack.

The force has also released a CCTV image of a woman they want to identify in connection with the incident.

A spokesman for WYP said: "Police are investigating a report of a racially aggravated assault on Bond Street, Leeds city centre on Saturday, March 7.

"At around 10.40pm, the victim, a woman in her 20s, was approached by the suspect who assaulted the victim while using racially aggravated language.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Sim is now recovering from her injuries and is appealing to the public's help to identify her attacker.

She said: "If anyone recognises her please contact the police.

"The whole experience was horrendous. I'm very shook up and I don't want to go out. Definitely not for a long time anyway."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who recognises the woman in the CCTV footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 13200121480.