Attack on foreign student

Sergeant Trish Reeve-Fowkes, who has local oversight of the yearly Sussex Police student protection campaign, Operation Columbus, said: "On Bank Holiday Monday at around 8.30pm a group of six German students aged 16 years of age were walking home to their host families along College Road.

"They were approached by a youth aged around 17 -18 years who was with two men and a woman, all the same age and who had with them a small dog. This man asked the students for a cigarette and when they said they did not have any, the youth turned to the student who was at the back of the group and punched him once in the face.

"Luckily there was no injury other than a painful jaw. The youth muttered something that sounded offensive but was not understood by the student."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have seen or heard something is asked to contact Sergeant Reeve-Fowkes at Bexhill police station on 0845 6070999.

The sergeant said: "This is the second unprovoked attack on a student in two weeks.

"These students are brought to the town by Europartner Language School who together with Bexhill Police are trying to ensure the safety of these children but ask that residents of Bexhill assist to make their stay safe by reporting any incidents they see or hear about immediately to the police."