POLICE are hunting a racist thug who attacked a black teenager with a bottle.

The 16-year-old was with some friends near Luncies Road and Kirby Road, Basildon, when he was approached by another man.

The attacker pulled out a bottle and smashed it in the teenager's face before running off.

The victim was left with cuts to his face and had to be taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment to his injuries.

Police are treating the attack as racially-motivated and today urged witnesses to come forward to help them identify and catch the culprit.

Det Con Andrew Jackson, of Basildon police's domestic violence and hate-crime unit, expressed his disgust at the attack.

He said: "This appears to be an unprovoked attack on a youth, because he is black. Any assault is unacceptable, but such motivation as this is disgusting.

"We are urging anybody with any knowledge of the incident to come forward so this detestable behaviour can be eradicated."

Police do not yet have a description of the attacker, but are hoping passers-by may have seen the man and be able to help identify him.

Anyone with information about the assault, which happened at around 12.30am on Saturday March 31, can contact Det Con Jackson on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.