AN appeal has been made for witnesses after a racist gang attacked an Eastern European man in Hawick yesterday.

The 35-year-old was approached by around nine men outside the Istanbul Takeaway in North Bridge Street at around 2am.

The group directed racially motivated comments towards the man.

They then followed him to Dovecote Street where he was assaulted.

Constable Ryan Anderson said: "This was an extremely cowardly attack that caused significant distress to the victim.

"The suspects carried out an unprovoked assault and we are extremely keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of North Bridge Street in the early hours of Sunday and who may have seen these men.

"Likewise, anyone who may have noticed this group in the area earlier in the evening is also asked to come forward.

"Police Scotland treats all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and takes a zero tolerance approach towards anyone involved in this unacceptable behaviour.

"If you want to report a hate crime then please contact police immediately."

Anyone information are asked to contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.