A PALESTINIAN man was beaten up and knocked unconscious by thugs in a racially motivated attack.

Cleveland Police said the 28-year-old's jaw was broken in three places and he also lost a tooth.

He was asked by one of the gang of four if he was a refugee, moments before he was attacked by them in Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, at about 2.15am on Monday, August 11.

Police said three Asian men and an Afro-Caribbean man sitting on a nearby park bench must have seen the incident, which involved three men on bikes and a woman on foot, all aged between 18 and 22.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 303126 of Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.