VIOLENT thugs broke into a man’s home and attacked him in what is being investigated as a race hate crime.

The victim, a man in his twenties, was attacked by two men who forced their way into his home in Laurel Avenue, Dovercourt at about 9.10pm on March 17.

He suffered bruising to the left side of his head as well as cuts and bruises to his arms, torso and legs.

The victim believes he was targeted because he is black and the attack is being treated by police as a hate incident.

The first man has been described to us a white and wearing a red rain jacket, black trousers, a black scarf around his face, and white and red trainers.

The second man is described as white and wearing black clothing a white Reebok Classic trainers.

Jo Henderson, Harwich councillor, said: “I would condemn any racial hate crime of any race as it is just unacceptable.

“When you are in your own home it should be a place a safety and crime does seem to be rising.”

John Brown, Harwich mayor, said: “I have not heard of this happening before in our area and everyone needs to get on no matter what your creed or colour.

“Things have to be done to stop it as in this day and age it should definitely not be happening.”

Mr Brown said he has lived in Harwich for more than 40 years and hate crime is not a regular occurrence.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We appreciate this took place a little while ago but it was a nasty attack and we’re keen to speak to anyone who has any information about what happened.”

If you have any information call police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/37007/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.