The incident occurred around 10pm when the 45-year-old woman was assaulted by a man who is understood to have shouted at her before striking her on the face.

A police spokeswoman said the victim sustained bruising to the face and had been left in a "distressed state" by the incident.

The man is described as being in his late 20s with blond hair. He was wearing a dark coloured jacket at the time of the attack.

Stephen Smith, chairman of the Craigavon Intercultural Programme which offers support to ethnic groups, said it was "very unusual" for female immigrants to be targeted in racist assaults.

In February it was revealed that racist attacks in Portadown had increased markedly over the first two months of the year.
decrease

However, Mr Smith says there has since been a decrease.

"I believe racist incidents in the area are on the decrease. There may have been isolated cases but in general they are becoming less common.

"The vast majority of immigrants who settle in the area are comfortable and quite happy here. There was a survey conducted with 100 members of the Portuguese community and a very small group – I think it was five per cent – have experienced racial incidents."
Sinn Fein Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd appealed for the public to lend assistance.

He said, "Regardless of motive this was a deplorable act and I would urge anyone with information to contact the police."

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault to contact them on 0845 600 8000, or information can be passed anonymously via crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Is there a racist problem in Portadown? Text us your views to 81800, starting your message with PTTEXT and then a space.