A man was hit in the head with a rock, punched, kicked, stamped on and attacked with a stick in a racist gang attack.
The 21-year-old suffered a deep cut to his head in the attack on Kesteven Road, Harpurhey. He was also racially abused.
The victim, who is from the Sudan, was walking home at about 4am on Saturday, April 23, when two white men asked for a cigarette.
When he offered them one, they hurled racist insults and punched him in the stomach.
He tried to run off but was chased by the pair, who were joined by up to four others.
One managed to catch him up and attack him again.
When he escaped, he was caught up and attacked for a third time. He was repeatedly kicked, punched and stamped on.
He was also struck with a wooden stick and hit with a large rock, leaving him with a deep cut that needed stitches.
A member of the public saw what was happening and shouted, causing them to run off.
The attackers are white and between 19 and 20 years old.
One had dark short hair and wore a plain blue short-sleeved shirt and dark shorts.
The other wore a white T-shirt and light coloured trousers.
Detective Sergeant Shagufta Khan said: "Greater Manchester Police takes all reports of racial abuse, whether it be verbal or physical, extremely seriously.
"It is extremely sad that in this day and age people are motivated by racial hatred.
"Racism is something we all abhor and I want to stress we are doing all we can to find the culprits so they can be brought to justice for what they have done.
"Not only did they shout racist abuse, they took it further by using such a level of violence it is thankful the man did not suffer more serious injuries.
"The fact they were prepared to strike him in the head with a large stone shows not only are they racist, but they are dangerous and we need to catch them.
"I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened to call us."
Anyone with information should call police in north Manchester on 0161 856 3913 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Manchester Evening News
