AN MP and councillor have slammed a group of "dreadful individuals" after a racist attack on a university lecturer in Southampton.

On Tuesday, Dr Peng Wang, a lecturer at the University of Southampton was out jogging when a group of men started shouting abuse at him from a car.

The men then got out the car, approached Dr Wang, and proceeded to punch and kick him to the ground.

The incident, which officers have confirmed was racially aggravated, happened at around 4.15pm on Vosper Road.

Dr Wang, who is originally from China and aged 37, was taken to hospital with injuries to his face and elbow.

Southampton Itchen MP, Royston Smith has now branded the incident an "awful" attack.

“What is wrong with these people that they get some sick pleasure from attacking and beating an innocent man?

“This is what these toe rags don’t seem to get, they do five minutes of their warped pleasure, but then they leave the consequences, some times forever. They are just dreadful individuals.”

Southampton City Councillor Warwick Payne, who represents Woolston, added: “This incident is clearly distressing and not the kind of thing I’d expect to happen in our neighbourhood at all.

“I wish Dr Wang a speedy recovery and would urge anyone with information to contact police.”

A 23-year-old man, from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault.

He remains in custody at this time and police are continuing to investigate.