POLICE are investigating a race attack by a gang of white men who punched and kicked two black brothers.

One of the victims, Mohammed Jama, said: "I thought they were going to kill me. I thought I would be the next Stephen Lawrence."

It is thought to be the first racially-motivated assault in Brighton this year.

Mohammed, 18, and brother Abdi, 17, were walking home along Lewes Road when they were approached by six youths. The brothers were verbally abused and then attacked. Both were punched and Mohammed, disabled after suffering polio, was knocked to the ground and kicked. The brothers, from Somalia, have been in Brighton eight months, studying English.

Mohammed said: "I'm frightened to walk the streets now, and I am seriously considering leaving Brighton."

Brighton police spokeswoman Carolyn Bond confirmed: "This is being treated as a racially-motivated incident.

One attacker was about 22, 5ft 9in, with short hair. He wore white jeans and a denim jacket.

Asecond was in his mid twenties, 5ft 2ins, and wore a blue zip-up jumper. He had a Welsh accent.

Anyone with information should call Brighton police on 01273 606744.

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