A COMBINED incident of racially motivated abuse and theft took place at a Windermere takeaway, sparking a police investigation.

Five men are reported to have stolen a key from a door at Flames takeaway at 12.45 am on October 8.

Police say that when confronted about the theft, some of the men started to use racially offensive language towards those in the takeaway, before fleeing on foot.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

The man who removed the key from the door is described as white, about 175cm tall with medium length black hair and very short facial hair. He was reportedly in his mid 20s and wearing work clothes including jeans.

The two men who used racially abusive language are described as white. One is believed to be about 170cm tall, with short black hair and wearing blue jeans and a navy t-shirt.

The other was wearing a blue jacket and jeans, had medium length blonde hair and no facial hair. He is believed to have been about 180cm tall.

Anybody with any information can contact Cumbria Police on 101.