Police are treating the throwing of a pig's head through the window of an Asian family's home as a hate crime.

A brick smashed the living-room window of the address in Chapel Lane, Oldham, and was then followed by the pig's head.

Police say the offender got out of the rear passenger seat of a Vauxhall Corsa, containing two other men, and then hurled both objects before he returned to the vehicle when then made off shortly before 10pm on Saturday.

He is described as aged about 18 and wore a black hooded top that was pulled up over his head.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Downey, from Oldham CID, said: "This was a disgusting act against an innocent family who have lived in this community for years and were enjoying being at home together on a quiet Saturday night.

"We are treating this appalling incident as a hate crime and are doing everything we can to find those responsible. No-one should be made to feel scared in their own home.

"The family were extremely shook up by this and we have been out to see them to offer assurance that we will do everything in our power to track the offenders down."

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8972 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

By Kim Pilling