A gang of nine attacked an Eastern European man after shouting racial abuse at him in a Borders town.

The 35-year-old was standing outside the Istanbul Takeaway in North Bridge Street, Hawick, at around 2am on Sunday when he was approached by the group.

The men made racially motivated comments towards him and he tried to get away by walking north along North Bridge Street.

The group chased him and confronted him as he reached the junction for Dovecote Street.

They then punched him on the head and on his body before running off.

Police said the victim was not injured, however they are keen to hear from witnesses.

Constable Ryan Anderson said: "This was an extremely cowardly attack that caused significant distress to the victim.

"The suspects carried out an unprovoked assault and we are extremely keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of North Bridge Street in the early hours of Sunday and who may have seen these men.

"Likewise, anyone who may have noticed this group in the area earlier in the evening is also asked to come forward.

"Police Scotland treats all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and takes a zero tolerance approach towards anyone involved in this unacceptable behaviour."

Witnesses can contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.