Police told BuzzFeed News they are aware of claims that police officers laughed at a Muslim woman after her hijab was pulled off and she was assaulted.
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.
"The victim has made a formal complaint in relation to the Met's response to the incident. This will be investigated fully."