A MAN was slashed with a Stanley knife outside a Lancaster takeaway in what witnesses have described as a racist attack.

A group banged on the window of the Starvin Marvin takeaway, Brock Street, at around 2.25am on Saturday morning.

A member of staff who was working inside the restaurant went out to investigate and one of the men pulled a knife on him, slashing him horizontally across the chest, causing a four inch, shallow cut.

Other members of staff came to the rescue of the victim, who is Kurdish, and the gang ran off in the direction of Penny Street.

Det Sgt Mark Salisbury of Lancaster police said: " This type of activity will not be tolerated in Lancaster city centre or elsewhere.

"People working in fast food outlets are entitled to perform their work and provide the service they do without being assaulted, provoked or intimidated in any way and, for this reason, assistance is asked for from anyone who may be able to provide details concerning this group of people."

Statements have been provided by staff in the shop and CCTV footage is also being examined.

The man who used the knife is described as male, white, 6ft 2in tall, 22 years old, clean shaven, of thin build with short, brown hair and a crew cut.

He wore a cream coloured jacket.

The second man is also 6ft 2ins tall and around 22, with hair, which is shaved on the side and longer on top and of thin build.

He wore a black jumper and black or navy blue jeans.

The third is 5ft 5ins tall, in his early 20s, of thin build with short, blonde hair, clean-shaven.

He wore a white jacket.

The fourth is 5ft 7in tall, 20 years old, of thin build, with a long on top, short on the sides haircut and brown hair.

He wore what is described as a multicoloured shirt.

That man was in company with a woman, said to be in her early 20s with blonde hair in a short, bob haircut, wearing denim jeans.

The final man is also 6ft 2in tall, of medium build with short, dark hair wearing a cream Lacoste top.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 01524 63333.