Sailor attacked 'because of race'

Gregory Kiran Fernandes was attacked as he returned to his ship

An Indian sailor who died during an assault by a group of teenagers was attacked and beaten because of his race, Hampshire police said.

They have stepped up patrols in Fawley where Gregory Kiran Fernandes, 32, from Goa, India, died.

They have also been reassuring residents concerned about groups of youths congregating in the area.

Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murdering Mr Fernandes have been released on police bail.

Collapsed at gate

Ch Insp Gary Cooper said they were working with all residents to ensure that this incident does not lead to community tension.

"We are aware of groups of youths congregating in areas of Fawley, which can intimidate local residents," he said.

"Safer Neighbourhoods officers are working closely with our partner agencies to tackle issues of youth nuisance and anti-social behaviour."

Mr Fernandes and a shipmate had just left the Falcon Hotel on Saturday night, where they had shared a soft drink, when they were assaulted by a group of 20 teenagers along Church Lane.

They were returning to the cargo ship, The Garonne, berthed at Fawley oil refinery.

Anti-social profile

His colleague, 29, escaped but Mr Fernandes was beaten and left.

A passer-by took the injured man to dock gate two at the end of Marsh Lane, where he collapsed and died, a police spokeswoman said.

A post-mortem examination proved inconclusive and further tests have been ordered.

"I would like to reassure local people the police are taking this very tragic incident extremely seriously," Ch Insp Gary Cooper added.

"I would encourage residents to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour or youth nuisance to police."