POLICE believe that an attack on a teenage motorist in Westgate, near Margate, was racially motivated.

The 17-year-old was driving in Lymington Road towards Minster Road on Thursday between 9.30pm and 10.15pm when he saw a group of youths in the road.

He stopped his car and a young man approached the vehicle, opened the driver’s side door and, after speaking briefly, punched him in the face.

A police spokeswoman said: “The main suspect was pulled away from the car by some of the other youths in the group. During the incident the man was racially abused.”

The main suspect is aged 16 to 17, about 5ft 9in tall and slim. He had short, dark brown hair and wore a dark blue hooded tracksuit and a black baseball cap. Another of the youths is about the same age and has spiky hair.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Det Con Glenn Vincer on 01843 222025.