Police have arrested six youths in connection with a racist assault on two students.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said its anti-victimisation unit had arrested six youths from the Moulsecoomb area of Brighton yesterday.

The six, all males, were being questioned at John Street police station.

Ten officers, some wearing stab-proof vests, were involved in yesterday's swoop on a city estate.

At one address, the suspect opened the door and was handcuffed and led to a police car.

Andy Wang and his girlfriend, Yan Yan Zhao, both 22, were beaten with golf clubs as they crossed playing fields at Falmer School on August 30.

Mr Wang was left with a head wound needing nine stitches and Miss Zhao suffered bruising to her legs.

The couple, studying English at Brighton University, were walking to their host home in Moulsecoomb at the time of the assault.

Police said the attackers had taunted the couple with racist remarks.

They then hit Mr Wang on the back of the head with a golf club and punched and spat at him as he lay on the ground. They also flicked cigarette butts at the couple.

As Miss Zhao was hit across the legs, Mr Wang used his body to shield her.