Podemos calls for investigation into xenophobic attacks on Spaniards in the UK

Following the Brexit referendum vote, an upsurge in xenophobic insults and assaults was reported in the UK, mostly targeting Polish expats, but a small number of Spaniards also suffered.

Tomás Gil, 27, who was speaking to his companion in Spanish in Poole, Dorset – both of whom were believed to be tourists – was beaten with a broken billboard and told to 'speak in English'.

And a Spanish-run restaurant serving typical dishes from different parts of the country was attacked, with the windows smashed and the façade covered in graffiti reading 'Spics go home!'

These are not thought to be isolated incidences, given that many Spaniards in the UK do not report general insults or threats, only contacting the police if they suffer physical violence.

And the embassy and consular offices say no xenophobic assaults or verbal attacks have been reported to them.

Now that they have been informed through a written communication by left-wing opposition party Podemos, consulates and the embassy have made contact with the victims and offered assistance.

The Foreign Office and Home Office in London have been asked by Podemos to investigate.

Both say they only found out about racist attacks on Spaniards through the press or social media.

Now, the Spanish embassy has uploaded a message onto its website urging any victims to let them know, and says it will keep both the Home Office and Foreign Office informed, asking them to follow up any cases reported.