A group of men 'racially abused another man' and viciously attacked him in Epsom town centre, leaving the victim with serious facial injuries.

Surrey Police is now investigating the attack as a possible hate crime.

The victim, a man in his 20s, was found unconscious on the ground with serious facial injuries at about 12.55am on Saturday, April 8, a spokesperson for the force stated.

It is believed he had been attacked by a group of men near the clock tower in Epsom High Street, and had suffered racial abuse prior to the attack.

The victim was taken to Epsom Hospital and has since been discharged.

Detective Inspector Clare Loving from East Surrey Criminal Investigation Department, said: “This attack took place on a busy evening in the centre of Epsom.

“I believe there is likely to have been a number of people around at the time who witnessed what happened and I am urging anybody who saw what happened or events leading up to the attack to contact us as soon as possible.

“We are investigating this as a possible hate crime due to reports of racially offensive abuse prior to the attack.”

To offer information, call Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 45170035932, or report online.