A 25-year-old Muslim mum was allegedly set upon by three women who began harassing her for "wearing a headscarf" last week.
The alleged incident took place close to Al-Khair, a local private Islamic primary school in Croydon, south London.
According to eyewitnesses, the three women asked if she was hot in the headscarf. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Evening Standard that they then began punching and kicking her.
Two women, one aged 35 and the other 18, have been arrested on suspicion of common assault and a racially aggravated offence. They were taken to a police station before being bailed to return at a later date. Officers continue to investigate, Scotland Yard said.
Photos said to have been taken at the scene have since been circulating on social media. Users claim that officers arrived and began laughing at the victim.
A Metropolitan police spokesperson told BuzzFeed News that it was aware of the photos:
"The victim has made a formal complaint in relation to the Met's response to the incident. This will be investigated fully."