These shocking images show how an American student visiting London was left scarred for life after being beaten and attacked with a bottle by a gang of thugs.

Francesco Hounye, 22, had been in the capital just three days when he was surrounded by a gang and targeted because he was “obviously not local”.

The five Asian men smashed a bottle in his face and then chased him, knocking him to the ground and repeatedly kicking and punching him.

The CCTV footage of the incident shows the student trying to get away from the men and raising his hands in an effort to avoid a confrontation.

Mr Hounye was staying with a 23-year-old friend in Shadwell and the pair were walking home after a night out in Brick Lane in June when the attack happened.

Just after midnight they were walking down Commercial Road when the CCTV film shows them being followed by a group of men.

Police say there was a confrontation and an exchange of words and the suspects became threatening and aggressive. One grabbed a bottle the victim was drinking from and smashed it against his face.

The group pursued the victim as he ran across the road to escape. They chased after him and continued to beat him before walking away.

Mr Hounye, who is from Florida, was taken to the Royal London Hospital with deep slash wounds to his head and around his right ear. He needed 23 stitches to his face and more stitches internally. He has suffered permanent scarring and a chipped tooth.

In a statement he said: “As a result of this incident I am now scared to go out on my own in London. I am a visitor to the UK and was considering continuing my studies here but this incident has made me think twice.

"I feel very emotional about the whole situation. I also now face the rest of my life with the permanent scarring that will be left on my face as a result of this attack. Every time I look in the mirror from now on I will be reminded of this incident."

Detective Constable Ben Mott, of Tower Hamlets police, said: "We believe the suspects picked a fight with the victim as he was obviously not from the local area and they took exception to the fact that he was a bit different.

“The victim has an Italian accent, his own style of dress and mannerisms and, when challenged by the Asian males, answered them back.

"They retaliated by grabbing the bottle and launching a vicious attack that has left him scarred for life. He had come to the UK to enhance his studies and has been left so shocked and horrified by what happened that he feels unsafe and is unsure if he wants to stay here.



"The CCTV footage is exceptionally clear and I believe the suspects to be local. I would ask people to please look closely at the faces of the attackers and help us identify them. I am positive someone would know who they are from looking at the footage."

The suspects are described as Asian and aged in their late teens to early 20s. They are possibly Bengali.

The man who used the bottle was wearing a red and white striped short-sleeved top with black trousers, white trainers and a large watch.



Anyone who can help is asked to contact Tower Hamlets CID on 020 7275 4546 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.