Detectives are hunting a teenager after a German boy became the latest victim of racist attacks on foreign students in West Sussex.

The 15-year-old was punched in the head following a stand-off between a group of German students and English youths outside Ladbrokes betting shop in South Street, Lancing, at 7.15pm on Wednesday.

Police say the offender is white, about 5ft 9ins and aged 15 or 16, of slim build, and with brown short straight hair. He was wearing a white baseball cap with check pattern, a white T shirt and possibly grey shorts.

He had a distinctive metal bar piercing though his left eyebrow with a blue stone stud.

A police spokesman said: "We are committed to stamping out this crime and officers will arrest anyone involved."

The assault follows a series of attacks across the Adur district by gangs of teenagers.

Chief Inspector Martin Walker said: "My officers are committed to stamping out this crime and will arrest anyone involved."

Witnesses should call 0845 6070999.