A MAN hurled racist abuse at a woman in front of her crying children because he wanted her car parking space.

The 39-year-old parked in Piddinghoe Sport Park in Piddinghoe only for a man to verbally abuse her saying he wanted that space and hurled racist comments at her on Saturday afternoon.

Feeling threatened, she tried to use her phone to record what was happening and to ring the police, but he grabbed her phone causing it to fall to the floor and break, before driving off.

The man is described as white, about 5'8", in his late thirties, with short dark hair, of medium build, wearing a long sleeved white shirt, dark blue denim jeans and brown shoes.

PC Helen Kelly said; "This whole unpleasant incident took place in front of her two young children who were crying throughout.

"If you saw what happened or can help identify the man, please contact us via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting serial 975 of 26/09."