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Youth's jaw broken by racist thugs
A racist gang of white men shattered an Asian teenager's jaw and punched his friend after a tirade of abuse.
Detectives are today appealing for information from Christmas revellers in Preston who may have witnessed the incident close to Wilkinson's in Friargate between 10.30pm and 11pm on Friday December 19.
The four men started to shout abuse at the 18-year-old and his three friends who were in a black Mercedes A-class waiting to turn at the traffic lights.
The victim, and one of his friends, also 18, from Walton-le-Dale, got out of the car to challenge the men – but the group began to hit them.
The blows were so hard that their first victim's jaw was broken in two places. The second man suffered cuts and bruises after being punched in the head.
The first offender ran away, quickly followed by the others.
The victim, who lives in Avenham, was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where he is undergoing surgery on his jaw.
Det Con Rob Kirkham, who is investigating the incident for Preston CID, said: "Racism will not be tolerated in our city. Tackling racist crime is a priority for Preston police.
"The attack happened in an area where we know a lot of people pass by, particularly at that time on a Friday night. There would have been people dining in the nearby Chinese restaurant as well as people visiting nearby pubs.
"We would urge anyone who witnessed the assault to come forward and give us details."
The men are all thought to be in their 20s.
The man who threw the punch was white, of medium build, and had a shaven head.
Detectives are now studying CCTV from the area.
Figures show there were 2,452 racist incidents in Lancashire in 2007/8 compared with 2,292 the previous year.
Anyone with information should call Preston Police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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