MAN punched and abused in racial attack in Southampton.

Between 8.22pm and 9pm on Friday, a man in his 20’s was walking down The Avenue, towards the city centre, when two men walked past him and racially abused him.

Police say one of the men then punched the victim on his ear, causing it to bleed slightly before walking off.

The incident happened near to the junction of Northlands Road, near to the Common.

The first man is described as white, aged between 20-30 years old, around 5ft 10 inches tall and of medium/muscular build. He had short dark hair and a short beard and moustache.

The second male is described as white, aged between 20-30 years old, around 6ft tall and of medium/muscular build. He also had short dark hair.

Officers say they are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that may help us identify the two men involved.

Anyone with any information should call us on 101 quoting 44210276213.

A spokesperson added: "We are working with our partners and local communities and we would encourage everyone to report incidents of hate crime to us either by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

"Reports can also be made online on the Hampshire Constabulary website at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/, through True Vision website at www.report-it.org.uk, or using the growing network of Third Party Reporting Centres for hate crime."