Police are urging young people to take extra care after a rise in attacks on foreign language students.

Some schools in the Torbay area have said the rise may discourage foreign visitors from returning.

Devon and Cornwall Police say they have been trying to limit the problem.

Staff at some schools occasionally chaperone students to ensure they are protected.

One school in Paignton says students face regular abuse.

Chris Thorndyke, of St Hilary Language School, said: "These young hooligans that are rampaging round the areas of the seafront and in local parks, frightening and threatening foreign students is getting very much worse.

"I think it's a possibility that a lot of the foreign students will return to their own countries around Europe and will very likely say they will not return."

Detective Sergeant Dave Dale said: "There has been a significant increase in the number of foreign students into Torbay, compared to last year.

"I think, as a result, there has been a percentage increase in the number of attacks."