Whitton: A waiter at an Indian restaurant had his shirt slashed with a knife as he tried to fend off a customer who turned on him after he was refused a bottle of alcohol.

Police are treating the incident at the Exotic Spice restaurant in Powder Mill Lane, Whitton, as racially motivated after the man hurled abuse at the waiter before throwing glasses and bottles at him.

He had entered the restaurant at 6.15pm on Friday, November 30, and asked if he could buy a bottle of alcohol.

Staff pointed the man in the direction of a nearby off-licence after saying that alcohol was only sold to customers dining at the restaurant.

The man remained in the restaurant with his friend and attempted to help himself to a drink from behind the bar, becoming involved in a fracas with one of the waiters.

He then picked up two knives from a table and advanced towards the waiter making slashing and stabbing motions.

He tore the waiters shirt with the knives and picked up glasses and bottles from nearby tables, throwing them at the five members of staff.

After leaving the restaurant the customer picked up an advertisement board and hurled it at the window. He was accompanied by his friend who had watched the dispute.

The curry house remained open for business that night after staff cleared up most of the damage, which is estimated at hundreds of pounds.

Police are anxious to trace a group of witnesses who walked past the restaurant while the attack was taking place on their way to the Horse and Groom pub.

Sergeant Martin Hillery of Twickenham police, said: "We believe these people went back to the restaurant later on.

"From our enquiries it appears that while the witnesses were in the pub the men entered and were talking about the incident. They may have also overheard the men talking in the pub."

Both men are white, in their early 20s and wearing casual clothes. Ring PC Matt Price on 020 8247 7204 with information.

December 7, 2001 16:31