An Asian man was in a critical condition in hospital after a suspected racist attack, police said yesterday.

The man, who has not been named, was seriously injured during an altercation with a group of white men outside a supermarket in Leicester on Saturday evening.

Another Asian man suffered serious injuries in the incident, but was released from hospital after being treated.

Leicestershire Police said officers were "keeping an open mind" about the motive for the attack but do think it was racially motivated.

Detective Inspector Dave Richardson said: "We are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw a group of possibly four or five men or youths in the area of Netherhall Road, near to Rosebarn Way, during Saturday evening to get in touch with us. Even the smallest amount of information could be vital to our inquiries.

"Investigations are in their early stage and we are trying to ascertain the circumstances leading up to this attack taking place. At this stage, we are keeping an open mind, but are treating the incident as a potential racially motivated crime."

The injured man was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham where his condition was described as critical but stable yesterday.

Eight people, aged between 15 and 22, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the attack should call Leicestershire Police on 0116 222 2222, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.