A TRANSGENDER woman was verbally abused and had a glass bottle thrown at her in a hate crime in Abbots Road. 

The victim was walking along the road between 10pm and 10.30pm on March 4 when she was abused by suspects who were in a silver Ford Fiesta. 

She had first seen the car at The Willows parade of shops and it is then believed the car followed her into Abbotts Road.

The vehicle had both its front and rear number plates blocked out with black tape.

Detective Sergeant Daniel Jeffries said: "One of the men then threw a glass bottle at the victim, narrowly missing her, without getting out of the car.

"The two suspects then drove off along Abbotts Road and out of sight.

"The driver of the car was white, aged around 18 to 20, had light coloured hair and was wearing a grey sweatshirt.

"The passenger, who threw the bottle, was aged 19 to 21 and wearing a dark coloured sweatshirt."

Anyone in the area at the time who may have seen the incident is asked to call DS Jeffries at Colchester CID on 101 or by ringing Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.