Two more arrests over suspected hate crime attack

Two men were racially abused and seriously assaulted with a metal pole

Two further arrests have been made after an incident in which two men were racially abused and seriously assaulted with a metal pole in Bristol.

One victim sustained a broken jaw, internal injuries and a fractured eye socket during the attack, which took place in Sarah Street, Lawrence Hill, on the evening of 22 September.

The victims were trying to move their car when they were attacked by four white men who later left in a white van.

Officers have arrested three men in their 20s and 30s on suspicion of racially/religiously aggravated assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH). Police are treating the incident as a suspected hate crime.

The first man was arrested on 30 September, the second on Wednesday and the third on Thursday.

All three men have been released on conditional police bail while the investigation continues.

Neighbourhood chief inspector Serena Serjeant said: "Such violence and hate has no place in our city.

"We continue to work with our CID colleagues to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

"We're also continuing to support the communities most affected by this vile behaviour, and to keep people informed of the progress we're making."