PLYMOUTH'S top cop said he would defy anyone "not to feel sickened" at a racist attack which left an Iraqi man hospitalised with a broken leg.

Chief Supt Andy Bickley was speaking following a police appeal for witnesses to an incident at the Barbican at around 11.15pm on Thursday night.

A 26-year-old Iraqi man told police he was followed by two men who accosted him in Quay Road, racially abusing him before beating and kicking him to the ground.

During the alleged attack the man suffered a cut to his head and broken tibia.

Police said the man had gone for a walk to the Barbican, taking a route through an alleyway between the Cider Press and Black Jacks pub, from Southside Street to the harbourside.

He was followed by two men from outside Black Jacks along the cobbled area near the old Customs building.

Police said the victim remembered seeing a man and a woman sitting in the outside area of the nearby Watering Hole public house and say they are very keen for the couple to come forward with information about the incident.

Investigators say members of the public intervened and called paramedics and police to the scene. The victim, who as lived in Plymouth for eight years, was taken to Derriford Hospital where he is awaiting surgery.

Speaking under condition of anonymity, the man said: "I wasn't causing any problems, the men just attacked me. It was a racist attack – they called me an immigrant before attacking me. I've got a broken left and a cut eye which has been stitched.

"The surgeon said I must have an operation on my leg today.".

The attack comes just days after The Herald reported on a Chinese student who was savagely beaten as she walked home, and the jailing of "dangerous and racist thug" Ricky Moon for his part on an attack on a Sudanese man.

Chief Supt Andy Bickley said the latest incident caused great concern and the police would robustly deal with offenders.

He said: "I would defy any right minded person not to feel sickened when presented with the details of this vile attack.

"The racially motivated nature of this and other recent attacks on our streets simply won't be tolerated

"I have committed a team of specialist detectives, overseen by a senior officer, to investigate these crimes and bring offenders before the courts.

"I appeal to the vast majority of law-abiding people of Plymouth to work together at all levels to tackle discrimination and all incidents motivated by racism, prejudice or intolerance of others.

"We treat all hate crimes reported sensitively and rigorously investigate allegations as recent court results have shown.

"It's timely for people to ask themselves – is this the level of prejudice and bigoted behaviour something you want to be associated with as proud Plymothians?

"This city has a tradition and history of celebrating all aspects of diversity and culture in our lives.

"We must take a stand against individuals that challenge this. It's non-negotiable."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number EC/12/1935.

Two men, aged 20 and 28 have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Both have been bailed until May 8.