TWO couples were treated in hospital after being assaulted by three Asian males in a weekend racist attack.

Now police are hunting the thugs, one armed with an iron bar, who struck as the two women and two men were walking down the steps towards the Metrolink platforms at Bury Interchange.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood, of Bury police, said: "The two couples, aged in their late 20s and early 30s, were approached by three Asian males.

"One woman was struck on the back of the head with an iron bar and punched in the face. She received cuts and bruises.

"The other woman was punched on the head and sustained a cut above her right eye.

"One of the men was kicked and punched about the head and he received two, three-quarter inch gashes." The other man sustained a glancing blow from the iron bar to his chin and received a slight cut. All four were treated in hospital following the attack which happened at 11.15pm on Saturday (Sept 22).

Det Sgt Heywood continued: "We are treating this as a racist attack because of comments made by the Asians."

Police say a white female was also possibly involved in the assault. Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to ring 856 8150 or 856 8157.