LONDON Police in the northeast English city of Sunderland are looking for two white men in connection with what they describe as a "racially motivated" assault on a 31-year-old Iranian on Thursday night.

The Iranian, whose identity has not been revealed, was attacked at around 7.30 p.m. in a pedestrian subway. He suffered "slash-type" wounds and was taken to hospital, but has since been discharged.

The police said it was an "unprovoked attack" by two white offenders, both thought to be in their 30s.

Inspector John Watts, who is leading the investigation, said it was a "serious crime, certainly the most serious attack I have seen on a person in recent times."

The Royal Hospital in Sunderland said the Iranian victim needed 22 stitches in his back and some in his forearm that also involved sewing some muscle tissue.

(IRNA)