POLICE have launched an investigation into a racist attack after the owner of an Indian restaurant was dragged into the street and beaten up by a gang in Southampton.

Three men walked into the Rajdhani restaurant in Bevois Valley Road in the early hours of this morning and attacked the owner. Dragging him outside where a group of up to six men and one woman continued to beat him and kick him in the head.

The attackers stole the night's takings from the restaurant, thought to be around £900 and made off through Rockstone Place, towards London Road, just after 3.30am The restaurant owner suffered injuries to his head and face, and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.

A police spokesman said the motive for the attack is not yet known but it is being treated as a "racist incident".

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.