Police are hunting a man who knocked a woman to the ground causing her to break her ankle - after she stepped in when he racially abused her friend.
The woman was assaulted whilst on a night out in the West End in the early hours of Friday, July 1.
The 28-year-old woman was stood outside Barrio Bar in Poland Street at about 1am, having left the bar with friends after it closed.
While they were outside the venue a man is believed to have racially insulted one of the victim's friends, who is black.
The victim challenged the man, and an argument broke out, with a large group of people joining in.
During the altercation, the victim felt a hand over her face before she was struck over the back of her head and fell to the floor.
The victim was unable to get up, but was helped to her feet by her friends and left the area.
A short while later, she realised the seriousness of her ankle injury, and went to hospital where it was confirmed as broken.
The victim had also suffered scratches to her face, while another of her friends also suffered minor injuries in the melee.
The suspect, who left the scene in an unknown direction, has been described as a white man with dark hair who is roughly 5ft 10in, and was wearing a dark suit and white shirt.
Detectives in Westminster are treating the incident as a hate crime.
DC David Doig from Westminster CID said: "This was a nasty attack on woman enjoying a night out with her friends. After challenging abusive comments, she has received injuries requiring extensive rehabilitation.
"Lots of people would have been leaving the area at the time. I would urge anyone with any information to come forward."
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is urged to contact Westminster's Community Safety Unit on 020 7321 8033 or police via 101. To give information anonymously, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.
