Attacks on Asian students probed

Four people were stabbed when a group of up to 30 armed with metal poles and bricks targeted Asian students in a suspected race attack in north London.

Two others were badly beaten in St John Street, close to City University in Islington, on Thursday evening.

Three teenagers - aged 17, 18 and 19 - have been arrested over the attack.

Officers are checking if this is linked to an incident the previous Monday when several black men shouted racist abuse and threw bricks at Asian students.

A 21-year-old man needed hospital treatment for injuries to his head, face and legs after this attack.

We are taking this matter very seriously Det Insp Trevor Borley Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police said officers were stepping up their presence in the Islington area.

They will also be using special powers to stop and search potential suspects.

"We are taking this matter very seriously," Det Insp Trevor Borley said.

"We have put out 'reassurance' patrols in St John Street and the surrounding area.

"In addition, we will also be carrying out Section 60 searches," he said, referring to the special powers.

The Federation of Student Islamic Societies said Islamophobic and racist abuse had been shouted at students in the area previously.

Thursday's attack was a "culmination" of several incidents, it claimed.