Councillors have condemned an attack against a man who was racially abused and then punched in the face in Norwich.

Norfolk Police said a man in his 30s was targeted by two suspected teenagers on Foxley Close at around 3.50am on Saturday, April 7 this year.

The victim suffered racial abuse before being punched in the face, kicked and hit with a wooden stick.

Police said the two attackers are believed to be aged between 16 and 19.

Sandra Bogelein, Norwich city councillor for the Wensum Ward, said she was shocked to hear of the incident.

She said: 'I strongly condemn this attack and I hope the person [victim] is okay.

'It is shocking to hear this has happened.'

Referring to the city's history of taking in refugees, the Green Party councillor said she hoped Norwich would continue to promote an open culture.

'I think the whole community needs to come together and make sure that we report these incidents to police so they can contain it and follow them up,' she added.

Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone else with information to come forward.

Many people living on Foxley Close, off Cadge Road, in the west of Norwich, had not heard anything about the attack.

Martin Peek, city councillor for the Wensum Ward, said: 'I have been on Foxley Close and no one has ever raise anything about racial tensions in the area.

'I fully oppose racism and racist attitudes. We are all humans and we all need to live and work.'

The Labour councillor added: 'Defining someone by the colour of their skin is outrageous, and people who think like that need to grow up.'

A police spokesman said: 'The victim was subjected to racial verbal abuse, before being punched in the face, kicked and hit with what is believed to be a wooden stick.

'The offenders are described as two males, thought to be aged between 16 and 19 years old.'

• Witnesses or anyone with information should call Norfolk Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 36/19959/18.

• Have you been a victim of racial abuse in Norwich and want to speak out about it? Call Luke Powell 01603 772684 or email luke.powell@archant.co.uk