A young woman motorist was spat at and punched in a racial attack as she sat in her car in Keighley town centre.

The 23-year-old victim was left distressed by the incident, which happened as she waited at traffic lights with her window wound down.

Police say the “disturbing” assault was racially motivated and are appealing for help to trace the “cowardly” gang responsible.

The woman, who is white, had pulled up at the lights in North Street, at 5pm on Saturday when she was approached by a group of Asian men.

They began to racially abuse her and spat at her through the open window.

One of the males punched her while trying to grab her car keys.

After a short while the victim managed to wind up the window and drive away from the scene.

She was not seriously hurt but was left distressed. The group of men then left the area, heading up Devonshire Street.

The main aggressor is described as Asian, in his late teens, 5ft 5ins, and of skinny build.

He had brown eyes and was wearing a plain grey hooded top.

Detective Inspector John Mountain, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “This was a disturbing racial assault and attempted robbery on a young woman in her own car who was minding her own business and appears to have done nothing to provoke it.

“The attack happened at a busy time of the day in the town centre and I am appealing for anyone who saw what happened, or may know the identities of any of this group, to come forward.

“Fortunately incidents such as this are rare and I now appeal to residents from all sections of the community in Keighley to assist us in finding those responsible for this cowardly attack.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Al Towers, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, on 0845 6060606, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.