A MAN needed hospital treatment after a racist gang attack.

A 27-year-old and three friends – all Asian – had been enjoying a night out when they were targeted outside the City Arms pub in Chester Road, Saltney.

The victim was admiring a new car his friend had bought when he was punched to the ground and kicked by a gang of white people in the early hours of Sunday.

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.”

Police say the injured pair were treated and discharged on the same evening.

Five people have been arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed pending further police enquiries until December 21.

They were 16 and 17-year-old girls from Chester, a 22-year-old woman from Chester, a 34-year-old woman from Saltney Ferry and a 39-year-old man from Saltney Ferry.

Overleigh councillor Razia Daniels said: “I’m so shocked that this would happen in our area.

“You see this kind of thing on the television but you do not expect it on your own doorstep.”

Fellow ward member Arthur Harada said he was disheartened to hear about the “despicable” crime.

“It is absolutely dreadful,” he said.

“The authority works very closely with the police to reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour but this incident goes beyond that.

“It is quite a serious criminal act and I hope those responsible are brought to justice.”

Cllr Harada added: “I would beg anybody who witnessed this to call the police because we would be very grateful.

“This is a bad reflection on our community just when we were making progress.”

Police believe that late-night revellers returning home or buying fast food could be key witnesses.

Call DC Nathaniel Walkowiak at Chester CID on 0845 458 0000 if you have
information.