A HAVE-A-GO-HERO was left with horrific head injuries as he tried to save relatives from a race-hate gang attack in New Brighton.

The victim - who we are naming only as Bashi at his request – was beaten with a metal bar leaving a wound that required 22 stitches.

Bashi explained he was at home on Saturday night when he received a call from his brother who was out with other family members on the promenade and were being attacked by a gang of youths.

Bashi ran to the scene and tried to protect his family.

He was then surrounded by up to 15 members of the gang who began raining blows down on him.

One of the thugs hit him just above the eye with a metal bar and the gang then ran off.

The injury was so severe that Bashi, a civil servant, is unable to work or drive.

He has also been told his skull may have been fractured and is facing a series of hospital tests.

Police have launched a full investigation in a bid to find those responsible.

Recalling the terrifying incident, Bashi – who has lived in New Brighton for just over a year - told the Globe: “This was an unprovoked, racially-motivated attack, no doubt about it.

“I was shocked more than anything, because all I was trying to do was calm the situation down, walk away and I got attacked.

“The family were just going for a stroll. It was seven o’clock on Saturday night, you should be allowed to go out for a walk in peace, without being attacked like this.

“I’m dubious now about walking along New Brighton promenade. Just because you speak a foreign language, doesn’t give anyone the right to do this.

“I was born in this country, have lived and worked all my life here. I just can’t understand why we were targeted. I could be left partially sighted by this.”

Among those targeted by the group were brother Ray’s in-laws, who were over from France visiting the couple who live in Wallasey.

Ray – who is of mixed race and, like brother, does not wish his family name to be reported - said he has since written to his MP Angela Eagle.

Ray told the Globe he is thinking of leaving Wirral: “I feel so ashamed that this has happened.

“We have lived here for 15 years and this sort of thing has never happened to us before.

"I’m 48 years old and the attack has affected me so much that I’m considering leaving the country and moving my family to France. We shouldn’t have to do that.

“My message to the police would be to take this seriously. There were nine of us in the group and the police only took statements from a few of us.

“I’ve sent pictures to police of the gang that I took during the attack but they have been slow in responding."

His wife’s family has now reported the incident to the French Consulate in Liverpool.

Detective Inspector Toni Tate said: "This was a very serious attack on a man who had intervened in an attempt to diffuse the situation.



“We are treating this as a racially aggravated assault. The victim has suffered serious injuries to his eye as a result of being hit in the head with a metal bar.



“The assault took place during daylight hours on the promenade and it is possible people in the area saw what happened.



"I am sure the local community would agree that this type of behaviour has no place on Merseyside and I would like to reassure the public that we will do everything possible to find those responsible.



"Information from the public is really important for our investigations and every piece of information is looked into so please come forward if you know anything about this matter.”

The man wanted by police in connection with the attack was on a bicycle. He was approximately 5ft 7ins tall and of medium build.

He had dark hair in a Mohican style and was wearing a black puffer jacket and navy shorts.

Anyone with information should call detectives in the Wirral SIGMA team on 0151 777 2884 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.