Police are hunting a pack of racist thugs who spat at and punched two Asian brothers as they played football in Carshalton.

The victims, aged 13 and 14, were beaten to the ground by seven white youths after attempting to gather their ball at St Helier Open Space.

One of the hooded attackers, all thought to have been aged between 14 and 16, attempted to run one of the brothers over with mountain bikes after punching him to the floor. 

The group had been sitting on a bench near the junction of Wrythe Lane and Robertsbridge Road before before the assault at about 6pm on Thursday, February 4.

They shouted abuse and spat at the brothers when they went to get their ball.

One of the thugs hit one of the victims in the neck before punching his brother in the his, cutting his lip and knocking him to the ground.

Another of the group then tried to run over the boy with his bike.

His brother tried to call the police but one of the attackers snatched his phone and threw it to the ground, damaging it.

The group then fled towards Tweeddale Road and on to Middleton Road.

Police said they were treating the attack as racially aggravated.

All seven of the group were weaing dark tops with their hoods up, expect one who had blonde hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 with information or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.