US Student Francesco Hounye Attacked by Asian Gang for 'Not Being Local' [GRAPHIC IMAGES]

Police are appealing for information after a US student was attacked by a group of Asian men in east London because he was "not local".

Francesco Hounye, 22, had been in the UK for only three days when he was attacked by five men in Brick Lane, Shoreditch.

Police have now released CCTV footage of the attack. It shows one man smashing a bottle into the victim's face before the men chase him down the street where they continue kicking and punching him.

Houyne was taken to the Royal London Hospital with deep slash wounds to his head and around his right ear. He needed 23 stitches to his face and more stitches internally. He has suffered permanent scarring and a chipped tooth.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

DC Ben Mott, said: "We believe the suspects picked a fight with the victim as he was obviously not from the local area and they took exception to the fact that he was a bit different. The victim has an Italian accent, his own style of dress and mannerisms and, when challenged by the Asian males, answered them back.

"They retaliated by grabbing the bottle and launching a vicious attack that has left him scarred for life. He had come to the UK to enhance his studies and has been left so shocked and horrified by what happened that he feels unsafe and is unsure if he wants to stay here."

Hounye said the incident has left him scared to go out on his own in London. He said: "I am a visitor to the UK and was considering continuing my studies here but this incident has made me think twice.

"I feel very emotional about the whole situation. I also now face the rest of my life with the permanent scarring on my face. Every time I look in the mirror I will be reminded of this incident."

The suspects are described as Asian and aged in their late teens to early 20s. They are possibly Bengali.

The man who used the bottle was wearing a red and white striped short-sleeved top with black trousers, white trainers and a large watch.