A RESTAURANT owner has described how he thought he was going to die when a gang of men dragged him into the street and kicked him “like a football" in a racist attack in Southampton.

Mohammed Mazumder, 41, was closing the Rajdhani restaurant in Bevois Valley Road when three men walked inside and started shouting racist abuse.

Mr Mazumder said he was dragged outside by his tie and forced to the ground where a group of up to seven people continued to attack him.

“They kicked me in the nose and in my eye. They were kicking me like a football and I thought I was going to die,” he said.

Mr Mazumder said the attackers threatened to kill him and his family.

“I pleaded with them not to kill me and take anything they wanted,” he said.

Police have launched an investigation following the brutal assault which saw the group of people, including at least one woman, steal up to £900 – the business’s entire Saturday night’s takings.

Restaurant staff called police to the restaurant just after 3.30am on Sunday morning.

He was later taken to hospital by ambulance for cuts and bruises, and is awaiting the results on tests to see if any permanent damage was sustained to his eye.

“I was really scared and now I feel as if I am not even brave enough to go outside,”

he said.

Police are still investigating the attack and anyone with information is asked to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.