Poles hurt in racist mob attack

Three Polish men were injured after being set upon by up to 20 youths in what police have described as a "racially-motivated attack".

It happened in Baxter Avenue, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, on Friday evening.

Police said the men had argued with some women in Bargain Booze during which racist abuse was aimed at them.

They were then attacked by a group of men and women and two needed hospital treatment. One man was later arrested.

He has been released on police bail.

'Nasty and violent'

Two of the Polish men were knocked unconscious and were taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, in Worcester, but were later released.

Detectives said at least one was attacked with a blunt instrument in the incident, which happened at about 2200 BST.

A third man suffered cuts and bruises.

Det Sgt Gerard Smith, of West Mercia Police, said: "This was a nasty and violent attack which made worse by the racist and bigoted nature of the taunts made towards the victims.

"Such incidents are fortunately uncommon, but this only serves to make police more determined to catch those responsible and to underline that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

"We believe this to be a racially aggravated assault and as such, are treating it very seriously."

He said officers had already spoken to some witnesses, but said there were a large number of people in the area at the time and urged anyone with information to come forward.

He added that patrols had been stepped up in the area.