POLICE are investigating a possible link between a knife attack on an Iraqi man and a similar assault on a refugee last month.

A gang of thugs are thought to be behind an unprovoked attack on a 26-year-old Iraqi man in Sunderland, on Easter Monday.

He suffered a hand wound trying to protect his face as one of his attackers tried to slash him with a craft knife.

Police have not ruled out a link with a similar attack last month in the city centre when a 31-year-old Iranian was stabbed by two men.

After that attack, dozens of refugees took to the streets in a peaceful protest asking for police protection from racist thugs.

In the latest incident, the victim was walking through Burn Park, Sunderland, at 1.30pm, when he was attacked by three men.

A woman believed to have been in the park may have witnessed the assault and police are appealing for her to come forward.

One of the attackers was 20 to 25, 6ft 3in tall, with short mousy hair and wore a light pink fleece jacket. Another was in his late twenties, 6ft, tanned, with short bleached hair. The third man was 30 to 35, 6ft, stocky, with blond shaved hair and wore a grey T-shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Sunderland CID on 0191-454 7555, ext 7555.