Attack is latest in series of race crimes - police

Several suspected race hate crimes had taken place recently in the Hull Road Park area in York, police say

Two Muslim men were attacked with tennis rackets and sticks and subjected to racist abuse in the latest in a "series" of suspected race hate crimes in York, police have said.

A group of about 15 balaclava-clad youths on mountain bikes were involved in the incident at Hull Road Park at about 17:00 BST on Sunday, according to North Yorkshire Police.

It was one of several race hate crimes that had taken place in the same area recently, a force spokesperson said.

Insp Nick Plumb said: "Alongside City of York Council and the York Human Rights City Network, we are liaising closely with York Mosque to provide reassurance that race hate crime will not be tolerated in York."

Officers were actively working on identifying the suspects to "ensure they face consequences for their despicable behaviour", Insp Plumb said.

"We are urging parents and carers who believe their teenage boys may have been involved in the incidents to get in touch now before we come knocking at your doors."

'Strength and solidarity'

A City of York Council spokesperson said the authority was working with schools, police and York Human Rights City Network to help those affected "by this appalling behaviour".

Claire Douglas, City of York Council leader, and Michael Pavlovic, executive member for safer communities, said: "We pride ourselves on being a Human Rights City, one that prioritises our residents being able to live free from discrimination based on their race or religion.

"This means equally supporting all those who live and work here."

A spokesperson for York Human Rights City Network said: "We have been saddened to hear about the incidents in the Hull Road Park and nearby, which appear to have been racially motivated.

"We send a message of strength and solidarity to those who were attacked, and to their friends and family.

"There is no place in our city for racism, hatred and violence of any kind."

Anyone with information about the incidents was asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.