FOOTAGE from CCTV has been released by police investigating a third reported ‘hate crime’ against Jehovah’s Witnesses in Minehead.

Officers would like to identify and speak to a man shown in the footage, which was recorded at about 8.20 pm on Friday, March 20.

It follows two previous attacks in a fortnight on the religious group’s Kingdom Hall place of worship, in Mart Road.

On both occasions, the building was graffitied with symbols and slogans related to far right organisations such as the Ku Klux Klan and National Front, while the first incident also saw a threatening letter and dog faeces pushed through the letterbox.

In the latest episode, a letter considered threatening was left at a Jehovah’s Witnesses address.

Police have carried out CCTV, house-to-house, and forensic inquiries and said they would like to speak to the man pictured, whom they believe might have information which could assist with their investigation.

The man in the picture is described as wearing a white cowboy-style hat, with chequered trousers, and a jumper with a white stripe down the sleeve.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said: “We would also like to hear from anybody who may have a seen a man matching the description in the town centre areas on the evening of Friday, March 20.”

A man, in his 50s, was earlier arrested in connection with the incidents and was released on conditional bail while the investigation continued.

Avon and Somerset Police’s Det Constable Louis Morris said: “This is the latest in a series of incidents relating to a wider investigation into hate crime targeting the Jehovah’s Witness community.

“We continue to work closely with community groups and faith organisations to offer support and to make sure everybody feels safe.

“We would urge anybody who may have any relevant information which could assist with our investigation, no matter how small or trivial they may feel it is, and those with concerns are urged to speak to our neighbourhood officers who are visible conducting reassurance patrols.

“There is absolutely no place in our communities for hate crime, and we would urge anybody who witnesses such incidents to report them because we will investigate them fully and ensure justice is served.”

The spokesperson said: “Any witnesses, those with information on the incident, or anybody who may have information on the identity of the man pictured are urged to contact us on 101 quoting 5226045306 or complete our online appeals form.

“You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form.

“No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded, and you will not go to court, nor must you speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.”

The first incident at the Kingdom Hall happened between February 15 and 17, and the second was two weeks later between 2 pm on Sunday, March 1, and 6 am on Monday, March 2.

The arrested man was picked up by police in between the dates of the two incidents.