POLICE are today hunting a teen gang who carried out a vicious race hate attack on an Asian pensioner, leaving him concussed and terrified.

The gang, some thought to be as young as 13, cornered the man as he walked home and hurled racist abuse at him.

When a white van pulled up, and the driver spoke to one of the youths, another teenager walked round to the back of the van and punched the 60-year-old victim hard in the face.

Reeling and confused, he managed to stagger back to his home, in Shirley, and was treated by his family for swelling to his face, a bloody nose and concussion.

After 20 years of living in Southampton, the man is now said to be too terrified to step outside his front door.

Police have described the horrific attack, which happened near the doctor's surgery in Raymond Road, on Friday, April 16, as "disgusting".

They believe the gang, who walked off towards Hill Lane, also smashed the window of a car parked further along Raymond Road and stole a black leather handbag.

PC Justin Boyle said: "Both the victim and his family have been left very shocked and distressed by this incident and sadly, after 20 years of living in the city, he is now afraid to go out.

"We must stress that incidents of this nature are not common, but we take them extremely seriously indeed. The whole of the local community is outraged by this incident and the behaviour of those responsible is disgusting."

The five youths, all aged between 13 and 15, are described as white, wearing tracksuit bottoms and T-shirts and of average height - though one was noticeable taller than the others.

Anyone with information should call PC Boyle on 0845 045 4545.