THREE young men were beaten and one had his arm broken after they were chased and assaulted by a mob of 40 men in what Burnley police say was a racially motivated attack.

A number of the gang who carried out the attack were said to be skinheads.

The incident happened at about 4.30pm on Sunday when three young Asian men and three white youths were walking down Church Street, Burnley, towards the town centre.

They were confronted by the white mob who chased them on to the car park at the back of the Sainsbury's supermarket.

The three Asians were picked out and given a beating. Racial comments were made to them during the attack. The three white youths were not hurt.

Det Sgt Mark Goodchild said: "We are treating this as a very serious racially motivated incident in which three Asian men were attacked indiscriminately.

"We are appealing for anyone with information to contact Burnley CID or PC Roy Curwen on 01282 425001 or to contact Crimestoppers in anonymity on 0800 555111."

A 21-year-old Asian man was taken to hospital for treatment to a broken arm. His two friends were not seriously injured.

DS Goodchild said the attackers were white men in their mid-20s and that a number of them had shaven heads.

They were seen a short time earlier in Yorkshire Street near to the Brickmakers' Arms pub.

DS Goodchild said: "It is possible they had been drinking in the area during the afternoon."