A second hate crime involving a group of Asians attacking white victims is being investigated by police in Rochdale.

A 21-year-old man was hit with a bottle before being repeatedly kicked and punched to the head and body as he lay on the ground. His 16-year-old friend was also punched in the face on a footpath near a retail park in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

It follows reports of a similar incident in Hyde, Greater Manchester, in which trainee chef Dan Stringer was repeatedly kicked and punched by a mob of up to eight people after he was chased down a street.

The unconnected assault in Rochdale happened at about 8.15pm on Saturday January 28. Both victims were walking with friends towards a canal towpath off Sandbrook Retail Park in Edinburgh Way when they were approached from behind by three men. The offenders ran at them, causing a number of the group to run off while the two victims continued to walk. Their attackers later ran off in the direction of Deeplish.

One man is described as being Asian, in his mid-20s, around 5ft 10in, with black hair. We wore a long white coat with two pockets over the knees. The second man is described as being Asian and of stocky build. He wore a black jacket with bright orange stitching on the shoulders and arms. The third man is described as being Asian.

Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, as perceived by the victims, though no racist or other comments were directed at either victim.

Detective Constable Ben Harris from Rochdale CID said: "This was a completely unprovoked and relentless attack that has left both victims shocked by their ordeal. The 21-year-old man needed hospital treatment for his injuries and the 16-year-old boy was left with visible facial injuries.

"I can understand why this has caused concern within the community. However, we cannot speculate why they were attacked and I do not want anyone to presume this has happened for a specific reason.

"I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack or may have seen the offenders running in the direction of Deeplish, near to the towpath, to contact police."

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8716 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.