Police are searching for three thugs who punched and kicked a teenager before stealing his mobile phone and racially abusing him.
The gang targeted the 19-year-old victim at St Margaret's Bus Station in Gravel Street, Leicester city centre in the early hours of Saturday.
The victim, who is white, was waiting for a night bus when the three Asian men attacked him.
One of them sat next to the man and asked to borrow his mobile phone.
The gang set upon him when he refused to hand over the phone. During the attack the men used racist language toward the victim, police said.
The incident happened at 3.20am. Police released details today and urged witnesses to come forward.
All three men ran off along Sandacre Street.
Detective Constable Jonathan Davies said: "The victim was fortunate to only sustain superficial injuries but has been left understandably shocked by the incident.
"Even though this incident took place in the early hours, we know that the area was by no means deserted.
"We would like to speak to two females who were seen sitting on a bench close to the victim and who may have been approached by the suspects prior to the incident.
"There was also a group of people outside a nearby fast food outlet and taxi drivers parked along Gravel Street who may be able to help us with our inquiries."
The first suspect is 23 to 25, 5ft 11ins, of average build and has short black hair and brown eyes. He was clean shaven and was wearing dark coloured clothing.
The second man is also 23 to 25, 6ft and average build. He has short black hair, brown eyes, a 'scrawny' face and was wearing dark coloured clothing.
The third suspect is a similar age and height to the other men but was of muscular build. He had 'mutton chop' sideburns down to his chin. He was also wearing dark coloured clothing.
Contact Det Con Davies on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
