Police warning after overseas students are attacked

Sergeant Trish Reeve-Fowkes is appealing for witnesses to come forward to an attack on a student group near the Sailing Club.

Tuesday evening's incident comes just two weeks before the launch of this year's Operation Columbus initiative which Sergeant Reeve-Fowkes will be heading in the town. As in previous years, the aim is to ensure good relations between foreign language groups and the local community.

The sergeant said: "At about 8pm on Tuesday a group of foreign students were in the town centre near the seafront when a group of English youths attacked them.

"One male student, aged 14, was assaulted. He was punched, causing a minor injury to his cheek, by a male from within the English group.

"The following day two 16 year-old local youths were arrested by police on suspicion of assault. Police inquiries are continuing.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to contact them at Bexhill police station on 0845 6070999.

"Police will take a robust attitude towards this kind of behaviour.

"We are asking the residents of Bexhill to support us by contacting us immediately they see any inappropriate behaviour."