“There are a lot more important things to worry about, not everybody wants a multi cultural britain, non whites are much more racist than whites so whatever!!!”

“Here we go again, as once more the racists glory in their ignorance! It seems that some of them just can't get enough rolling around in their filth. Britain is now set to be a multi-ethnic society for all time and eternity.This is never going to change, so the racists should grow up,get over it and open their minds to the wonderful benefits it will bring for British society. For this reason, it makes absolute sense to ensure that the laws of this country reflect this fact of life and that people should be prevented from insulting others on the basis of their ethnic origins, whether it's white on Black/Asian or the other way around.”

“Here we go again,if you are white brit the best thing to do is totally ignore ethnice.That way you cannot be accused of being a racist.The Labour Quango Race & Equalities board (Controlled by a African Communist Immegrant) will prosecute any race for racial equallity ? No they will not ALL prosecutions have been made against whites only.Not one Ethnic has been prosecuted.Only White people can be racist.”

“Tom and 'not so confused' - thankyou for some sensible comments amongst the predictable rubbish of the other comments here.

Racism is racism, be it white on black or black on white - although i imagine the former is more common in Devon where i rarely see another non-white face when i come down. Saying that though, my holiday cottage is in a lovely hamlet and, even though my family are the only non-whites there, we are always treated with utmost kindness. Elsewhere locally it is not so good - so i AM aware of the level of casual racism in Devon.

Police are very quick to stamp down on any alleged racist incidents as they are completely unacceptable in today's society. So well done to the local police for acting quickly and positively here!!”

“who says it was anything more than an argument? it seems white man cannot argue with any other COLOURED person as if you do its suddenly racially aggrivated.

if someone white gets beaten up by black guys its always an assult. switch roles and its suddenly a racial attack!

when are we going to be protected by race related attacks/insults????”

“Racial crimes are serious, and any alleged racially-aggravated incident is always worth investigating. Far more than for e.g. a devoted family man and stressed businessman who smokes the odd joint who is raided and sent to court, now that is a waste of time and resources.

Given the amount of casual racism and uneducated rednecks in the area, I'm not surprised that someone has come on here claiming racism is not a serious issue.”

“The report actually says "public order offence" as well. Definitely worth investigating. Describing someone is black or white is not racist as it is a person's description, and is ALWAYS used when describing the appearance of suspected criminals. Don't you read the newspapers? Pathetic comment. Also, "confused" are you from Barnstaple or Barnstable, strange error to make if you really are local.”

“you cant say hes white thats racist its caucasian male if you cant say black why can you say white!!!”

“"According to the Police" a racial crime was commited. What was this racial crime? Aren't there more important offences to be dealing with? Like the drug dealers and theiving scum in the area. Perhaps not now that the Police are told what to do and appear to be pro-active by the the good old Labour party. Why is that we never see Police officers on the streets these days? Too many computer screens to look at maybe! Get out of the Nick and do some pro-active Police work. But then again. The Police of today are not that they were once were.”