TWO muscular men who beat and robbed a 17-year-old youth in a racist attack are being hunted by police in Plymouth.

The victim was robbed of his chewing gum, then battered so badly an ambulance had to be called.

The youngster, who is originally from Iran, was treated by paramedics after what detectives said was a racist attack.

They said the teenager was subjected to a tirade of vulgar insults before being knocked to the ground and dragged along a busy Plymouth road.

His attackers then rifled through his pockets for cash before fleeing through Lipson with his packet of chewing gum.

The teenager, who lives nearby, suffered a sprained wrist and grazing to his face and legs in the rush-hour incident.

Detective Constable Anne Rose, who is leading the investigation, said the victim had been left badly shaken up by the attack.

He had been walking in Lipson Road at about 5pm on Wednesday, August 18, when he was approached by the two men.

Detective Constable Rose said they began racially abusing him and asking for money, then punched him to the floor.

The pair, thought to be in their early twenties, then dragged the youngster along the pavement in search of cash or a mobile phone.

After going through his pockets, they made off with the chewing gum.

"They have used racist abuse, beaten him up and taken property from his pockets. He is very shaken up by what has happened.

"This happened at a very busy time and we are hoping people who were walking or driving in the area may come forward."

The attackers are described as being aged between 22 and 24.

Both were of muscular build and had short, light brown hair.

Witnesses, or anybody else with information about the attack, is asked to call police on 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference EC/10/8566.