A LANGUAGE student from Dorset was left unconscious with injuries to his face and head after he was set upon in a racist attack.

The 26-year-old Syrian man who lives in Chester Road, Poole, was visiting relatives on the Isle of Wight when at least six youths assaulted him and racially abused him.

He sustained three broken teeth and cuts and bruises to his head and his car - a Vauxhall Astra - was kicked in.

Inspector Steve Evans, of the Isle of Wight Police, said: "He had gone down to the seafront at Totland Bay to listen to some music in his car. It was there that some local youths started speaking with him - some event occurred and a little later on they started setting about him whilst he was in his car.

"We are treating this as a racist attack because of the things that were said in the course of the attack.

"Almost every panel of his car was damaged and kicked in and we think at least six youths, all under the age of 18, may have been responsible."

The student, who is learning English at a Bournemouth language school, has since resumed his studies having undergone dental and medical treatment for his injuries.

The assault happened at around 10.30pm last Monday, August 25, the Bank Holiday, near the Totland Pier Caf.

Police are keen to hear from witnesses to the attack, especially fishermen who were nearby at the time. Anyone who saw or heard anything is asked to contact Yarmouth Police on 0845 045 45 45. The officer in the case is PC Keith Wood.