Asian man's finger cut-off in racist attack in UK

According to investigation, the attack appears to be unprovoked and is being treated as racially aggravated

A 31-year-old Asian man had part of a finger chopped off by a meat cleaver in a racist attack in northern England, police said today.

The man, described by South Yorkshire Police as an Asian, was set upon by two men at a petrol station in Rotherham early morning yesterday as he tried to withdraw money from an ATM.

One of the men punched the victim several times in the face before the other sliced off the top of his left hand forefinger with what is being described as a meat cleaver.

He remains in hospital today in stable condition.

Detective Inspector Richard Partridge, the lead investigator in the case, said: "This is an extremely nasty attack which appears to be unprovoked and is being treated as racially aggravated.

"A full investigation is underway and as well as reviewing CCTV, we have a team of detectives in the area and officers are supporting the victim.

"The incident is being taken extremely seriously and we can reassure members of the community that we are following a number of lines of inquiry to identify these offenders."

The first attacker is described as white, tall and slim.

The victim was, however, unable to provide a description of his accomplice.