A DAD is calling on the community to help raise money for a family who were allegedly subjected to racist abuse outside a Barrow hotel.

Darren Reid, 49, a part time carer from Barrow, felt ‘disgusted’ when he watched a video circulating on social media of a man allegedly shouting racist abuse at a family staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Market Street, Barrow at 8.30pm on Saturday.

Mr Reid felt compelled to help the family who had reportedly visited Barrow for a holiday, and he hopes they will return to the area and see how welcoming the people of Barrow really are.

He said: “When I watched the video, it really riled me up. “I thought that’s not the town I know and want to be a part of.

“I know there are Tommy Robinson-type supporters in the town but they are the minority and not the type of people I know Barrow has.”

In response to the video, which is being investigated by police, Mr Reid has decided to set up a fundraiser to pay for an all-expenses trip back to Barrow.

He said: “I’d heard some of them had gone home after the incident because they feared for their safety which I thought was devastating.

“When I found out this family were tourists, I felt even more devastated because it showed they’d been singled out by the way they look.

“I think it would be nice if the town could come together and invite this family back and show them we’re not all racist. “I would like them to see what the town has to offer - see the sights, have an ice cream, visit the abbey and all paid for by the people of Barrow.”

Mr Reid is calling on local businesses, groups, councils and residents to donate whatever they can to help fund another trip to Barrow for the family.

Mr Reid added: “I want to get as many local businesses involved as possible.

“The amount of people who have condemned what’s happened prove that Barrow is not a hateful or racist town.

“If any money was left over, it could go towards a charity which supports immigrants that have fled war town Syria or towards refugee families that have settled in Barrow.”

Mr Reid said he wants the family to return to Barrow feeling ‘welcomed’.

“I want these people to see the flip side of the coin and let them know they’re welcome no matter what,” he said.

Police confirmed a 66-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a hate incident. He has since been released but remains under investigation by the force.

Anyone with any information about the incident has been asked to call 101.