ECB and Edgbaston to investigate claims of racial abuse among crowd at England-India Test

Several accounts of racial abuse were raised on social media on Monday, and reports have been made to the governing body

A police investigation has been opened into allegations of racism in the stands on day four of the fifth Test between England and India.

Several accounts of racial abuse were raised on social media on Monday, and reports have been made to the governing body.

An ECB statement on Monday night read: "We are very concerned to hear reports of racist abuse at today's Test match. We are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston who will investigate. There is no place for racism in cricket."

The accounts of events at the Birmingham venue reference incidents which are said to have taken place in the Eric Hollies Stand.

A social media user identifying as Kushal Malde wrote on Twitter that it was "some of the worst abuse we've experienced at a match". The user added that his group had been called "smelly P***s", and alleged that despite reporting the situation to stewards, no action was taken.

Another social media user, identifying as Ziyad Bhada, said his group had been told to "f*** off back home".

^{There were a number of reports of racist abuse at Edgbaston on Monday [Stu Forster/Getty Images]}

A statement from the Bharat Army - the India supporters' group - confirmed the reports.

The statement read: "Sad to say many of our members experienced racist abuse from a very small minority of individuals. We will work with Edgbaston to share all your feedback.

"Thank you to those England fans who stood by us."

Edgbaston officials have contacted at least one of those to have made the claims directly, and Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain said late on Monday: "I'm gutted by these reports as we’re working hard to make Edgbaston a safe, welcoming environment for all.

"Having seen the initial tweets, I've spoken personally to the gentleman who raised them and we're now speaking to the stewards in this area to establish what happened.

"Nobody should be subject to any form of abuse at Edgbaston.

"So, once we've got all the facts, we will make sure this issue is addressed swiftly."

On Tuesday, West Midlands Police confirmed that a criminal investigation was under way.

"We're liaising with Edgbaston officials to understand what's happened and encourage anyone who heard any racist language or gestures to get in touch," the force said on social media.