A TEENAGER has been arrested after a girl was racially abused on a tram in Manchester.

Shortly after 6.30pm on Saturday, March 30-, a 17-year-old girl and her family were travelling on a tram, which had just left Victoria Station towards Oldham when a young male – who was travelling with a group of teens – began confronting the girl's mother.

The girl tried to intervene but the boy began to racially abuse her. This abuse continued until the tram reached Newton Heath and Moston tram stop where the boy spat at her before exiting the tram with the rest of the group.

The family remained on the tram and called for police assistance.

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault. He has since been released under investigation.

Detective Inspector Tony Platten, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “Whilst we have arrested a teenager in connection with this incident, I would like to stress that our investigation is still very much ongoing and we are working hard to provide the girl and her family with the justice they quite rightly deserve.

“Incidents of this nature are frankly disgusting and have no place in Greater Manchester – so I would ask anyone who thinks they may be able to assist our enquiries to please get in touch at the earliest opportunity.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 6460 quoting incident number 2015 of 30/01/2019.

Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.