POLICE have launched a hate crime investigation after a man pooed in the garden of cricketer Azeem Rafiq.

The ex-bowler was targeted at his home in Barnsley on October 5.

Police have launched a probe as say they are treating the incident as racially motivated.

They have released an image of a man they wish to speak to following the horror.

South Yorkshire Police said: “Our Barnsley team is looking to identify the man pictured, in connection with a reported hate crime.

“At 6.18pm on 5 October, it’s reported that a man defecated in the front garden of an address.

“It is believed that the incident, which is classed as a public order offence, is racially motivated.

“We are looking to speak to this man as we believe he could help us progress our enquiries.”

Rafiq was at the centre of a racism storm after claiming he was targeted with abuse while playing at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

His dramatic testimony led to a clear-out of the Yorkshire coaching structure and board, with the county now headed by Lord Patel.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting reference number 726 of 12 October 2022.