TWO young Asian men. one from Radcliffe, were viciously beaten in an unprovoked racial attack at Pilsworth's entertainments complex.

Both men suffered severe head injuries, including cuts and suspected broken noses, when they were set upon by four white thugs on Tuesday night (Aug 29) outside the Megabowl in Pilsworth.

The victims, both in their early 20s and from the south of the borough, were with a 38-year-old woman when they were approached by the four who began hurling racial abuse at the group. They then launched a violent attack on the two Asian men.

Detectives have now vowed to pull out all the stops to track down the attackers.

Det Sgt Duncan Heywood of Bury's Operational Police Unit said the victims had been enjoying a night out at the Pilsworth complex minutes before the attack. He said: "As they walked towards the cinema, they were subjected to a torrent of racial abuse and threatened by four white men who were nearby. A bottle was thrown at the victims but, fortunately, it missed and smashed harmlessly on the ground."

The four thugs then jumped in a silver coloured Ford Fiesta car and drove past the two men and a woman and continued to taunt them with racist remarks.

DS Heywood added: "The Fiesta stopped and the occupants got out and attacked the two Asian males. They were both knocked to the ground and viciously punched and kicked about the head and body."

Both men were later taken to Bury General Hospital for treatment to their injuries. The 25-year-old from Prestwich sustained cuts and bruising to his face while his 23-year-old friend, who lives in the Radcliffe area, suffered cuts to his cheek and a broken nose. The woman was not injured although she was badly shaken as a result of the attack.

Chief Superintendent Phil Hollowood, head of Bury police, said: "Our CID officers are investigating this matter and I can assure the victims that no stone will be left unturned to ensure the offenders are punished for what can only be described as a cowardly, unprovoked attack on three innocent people."

Officers have launched an appeal for witnesses to identify the four attackers. Their W-registered Ford Fiesta was last seen being driven along the southbound carriageway of the M66.

Anyone who can help should contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8248 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.