FIVE people have been bailed by police over a racist attack that left a man in hospital.

The 27-year-old victim was admiring a friend's new car in the early hours of Sunday morning when he was assaulted outside a pub in Saltney.

The victim and his three friends - all Asian - were at the City Arms, Chester Road, when the white gang struck.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "They were attacked by a group of people, consisting of both men and women, resulting in the 27-year-old victim being punched to the face, causing him to fall to the floor and bang his head on the pavement.

"While on the floor he has been kicked and struck with a shoe. During the course of the attack, comments of a racist nature are alleged to have been made towards the victim and his friends.

"As a result of the attack the victim suffered concussion requiring treatment at the Countess of Chester hospital.

"One of his friends also required medical attention to a swollen hand."

Detectives arrested five suspects and bailed them until December 21.

Two were girls aged 16 and 17, two were women aged 22 and 34 and a 39-year-old man was also bailed.

Police urged witnesses to call DC Nathaniel Walkowiak at Chester CID on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.