BBC presenter racially abused in the street and forced to abandon live lockdown broadcast

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Sima Kotecha was getting ready to broadcast on Sunday evening after the PM’s address to the nation when a man began shouting vile abuse at her, the film crew and their guests.

Ms Kotecha took this snap of herself and her crew moments before the abuse happened
Ms Kotecha is a journalist with BBC News

Ms Kotecha tweeted: “Apologies to our guests who we had to send home without putting on air after myself and team were subjected to racist and abusive behaviour – sad obstruction of reporting of a national crisis. Yes I’m furious.”

“Apologies – but man shouting terrible things at me has ruined it for everyone. I’m afraid not going to make it on the special programme.”

Responding to Ms Kotecha on Twitter, the chief constable of Leicestershire police, Simon Cole, said: “Sorry to hear about this. I’ve spoken to our control room. Has it been reported? If not then please call 101 or online.”

According to the Guardian, police contacted then Ms Kotecha to ask her to give a statement on what happened and whether her crew had any footage of the alleged abuser.

Leicester police said in a statement: “We are aware of a post on social media relating to a woman being racially abused in Leicester city centre yesterday evening.

“Racist abuse will not be tolerated under any circumstances and officers have made contact with the woman to offer support.

“An investigation into the incident is ongoing and no arrests have been made at this time.”

The BBC said in a statement: “While preparing to broadcast, our reporter, her production team and guests were subjected to racist and abusive behaviour. We are appalled by what happened and will be reporting the incident to the police. We will not tolerate racism or abuse of our staff.”

After an outpouring of supportive messages, Ms Kotecha assured viewers she was fine.

She wrote on Twitter: “Thanks for all the kind messages – team and guests are fine. Snapshot of what journalists sometimes encounter during live broadcasting. Not always easy. Wishing you well.”

It is not the first time Ms Kotecha has been subject to disgusting abuse.

She revealed in 2016 how she had been called a “p***” as she walked down the road in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

She wrote at the time: “In utter shock: just been called p**i in my home town! Haven’t heard that word here since the 80s!”

Ms Kotecha tweeted an apology after being forced to cancel a live broadcast on the PM’s speech
Ms Kotecha assured her viewers she was okay despite the horrible abuse