TWO Asian men were viciously beaten in an attack condemned by Bury police as "cowardly and unprovoked".

Both men suffered severe head injuries when they were set upon by four white thugs outside the Megabowl on the Pilsworth indutrial estate, Bury.

The victims, both in their early to mid 20s, were approached by the gang, which began hurling racial abuse at the group.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood, of Bury police, said: "As they walked towards the cinema, they were subjected to a torrent of racial abuse and threatened by four white men.

"They jumped in a Ford Fiesta, it stopped and the occupants got out and attacked the two Asian males.

"They were knocked to the ground and viciously punched and kicked about the head and body."

Both men were later taken to Bury General Hospital for treatment.

Chief Superintendent Phil Hollowood, of Bury police, said: "I can assure the victims that no stone will be left unturned to ensure the offenders are punished for a cowardly, unprovoked attack."

The W-registered Ford Fiesta was last seen heading along the southbound carriageway of the M66.

Anyone who can help can call Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8248 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.