POLICE are appealing for information after a man suffered a knife injury in a racially motivated attack.

The 37-year-old from Southampton was assaulted whilst walking through the cutway between Fritham Road and Beauworth Avenue just after 6.30pm on Sunday.

The victim was walking towards Fritham Road, when he saw a man coming in the opposite direction.

The second man became racially abusive before producing a knife and cutting the man’s forearm.

The knifeman fled in the direction he came, towards woodland near West End Road.

The man is described as white, in his 20s with blond “scruffy” hair. He was wearing a grey hooded top, grey jeans and blue trainers with white stripes.

The assault victim received treatment in hospital for the injury to his arm.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area between 6.30pm and 7pm on Sunday.

Inspector Sharman Wicks from the Southampton North Neighbourhood Team said: “This was an attack that we believe was motivated by hate.

“This kind of assault is rare, not only has this man received a serious injury, but he has been the target of racial abuse, which will not be tolerated.

“We want to reassure the community that we have increased patrols in the area.”

If you witnessed this incident or have any information that could assist with the investigation, please call 101 and quote 44170191200.”