A Chinese student has been subjected to coronavirus-related hate crime in Glasgow.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which took place on Dumbarton Road in the West End.

They say they received a report of racially-motivated abuse on March 5.

The Glasgow Times understands that the victim was a PhD student from China studying at the University of Glasgow.

It's thought three strangers shouted "coronavirus" at the student before tearing their clothes - as first reported on Glasgow Live.

READ MORE: Coronavirus LIVE: 195 confirmed cases with second death in Scotland

The coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, was first reported in the city of Wuhan in China in December.

Following the outbreak, Chinese nationals across the world have reported an increase in discrimination, prejudice, racism, and abuse. 

So far, two people in Scotland with coronavirus - including one in Greater Glasgow and Clyde - have died.

The current number of people with the virus in Glasgow stands at 49, with 171 in Scotland and 1950 across the whole of the UK. 

READ MORE: Coronavirus shuts down all Glasgow council meetings and buildings

A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed: "We are investigating following the report of racial abuse on Dumbarton Road in Glasgow at around 9am on Thursday, March 5.

"Enquires are ongoing at the moment". 

While unable to comment on individual cases, a spokesman for the University of Glasgow said: "The university does not tolerate any form of racist or discriminatory behaviour.

"We work closely with the Students Representative Council to ensure all students, members of staff and others feel safe and part of an inclusive community."

SNP MSP Sandra White, who represents Glasgow Kelvin, said: "This is a disgusting attack and will not be tolerated.

"To attack an innocent person in the street for no other reason than sheer ignorance is utterly appalling."

She added: "Hate crime is unacceptable in modern day Scotland. This is a time when we need to be supporting each other, not attacking one another.

"I sincerely hope this is an isolated case and would encourage anyone who has been a victim of hate crime or anyone who has witnessed hate crime to report it to Police Scotland immediately."