POLICE are reassuring people from minority ethnic groups not to be frightened of visiting Redditch after two men were assaulted outside a pub during what police believe was a racially motivated attack.

The two men, both in their 20s and of eastern European origin, were approached by three white males outside the Black Horse pub, Mount Pleasant, between 11.30pm on Saturday, August 4 and 12.30am the following day.

The trio shouted racial abuse at them and then kicked and punched them.

One of the victims was taken to the Alexandra Hospital by ambulance where he was treated for a cut near his eye and discharged later the same day.

The second male had no visible injuries following the assault.

The offenders are said to be three white men. One of them is believed to be in his 20s, 5ft 7ins-5ft 9ins tall with short blonde hair and an athletic build.

Sgt Steve Saunders said: "We believe this to be a racially aggravated assault and as such are treating it very seriously.

"We've already spoken to some witnesses but believe there are others with information who have not come forward.

"We appeal for these people to call police as soon as they can as they may have important information to help move inquiries forward.

"We also want to reassure visitors to Redditch and those from minority ethnic groups that police are not prepared to tolerate such racially aggravated abuse and neither should they have to.

"If you're a victim of such behaviour or you witness it, let us know about it and we can take the positive action needed to address it.

"We do have interpreters available to help if required and will make every effort to investigate the matter fully.

"We have several lines of inquiry following this incident but are keen to speak to anyone with any further information and so repeat our appeal for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police to get in touch."

Anyone with information can call Redditch police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.