25/08/2008

Murder Probe Launched As Foreign Student Dies

Police have launched a murder enquiry following the violent death of a foreign student who was attacked in Hastings, in east Sussex, pictured.

The 16-year-old from Qatar suffered a head injury in an attack outside a take-away in the seaside town of Hastings before midnight on Friday.

The youth, who has spent just five weeks in Hastings, died at Kings College Hospital in London on Sunday.

The attack happened during an altercation between the teenager and his friends and a group of local youths outside the USA Fried Chicken and Kebab House, at the junction of Robertson Street.

It is understood he was due to return home next weekend.

Sussex police say there are treating the incident as a "racially-motivated murder".

Three people, aged 17, 18 and 20, have been arrested and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Graham Pratt said: "I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault to contact police.

"The young man was a visitor to Hastings and his death is indeed tragic. Our thoughts are with his family."

Police patrols have been increased in the area and officers are working with language schools to reassure students.

Between 30,000 and 50,000 foreign language students visit Hastings and the Rother area each summer.

Witnesss to the assault are asked to call detectives on 0845 60 70 999.

(DS)

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