A police investigation is underway into reports a man waved a hammer and racially abused a family outside an Asda store.
The incident happened outside the supermarket on Creechbarrow Road in Taunton earlier this month.
Police said a couple and their two young children were leaving the store at around 10.15pm on Thursday, July 16, when they were abused and shouted at by another couple who were parked in a white Toyota Estima car nearby.
Once the family got in their car, the man driving the Toyota pulled up alongside them. He waved a hammer from his car window at the family, before driving away.
Avon and Somerset police said the couple were subjected to offensive and racist abuse by both the man and the woman, and the incident is being treated as a racially-aggravated public order offence.
PC Danielle Morgan said: "This was an apparently unprovoked incident involving a family with two young children, which we believe to be racially motivated.
"The victims were understandably shaken and upset by what happened."
PC Morgan added anyone who witnessed this incident or may have dash cam footage should contact the police on 101 or through their website and quote reference 5220158187.
See the crime rates in your neighbourhood, powered by In Your Area :
Crimestoppers can alternatively be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.
No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.
