Police said the victim managed to grab one of his attackers

Police said three white men abused the 24-year-old verbally and then dragged him from Bank Street, in Mid Calder, to a wooded area.

He was kicked and punched and had to be taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston, but was later allowed home.

The group, in their 20s, only stopped the assault after a car with its headlights on passed by.

Investigators said one of the attackers may have been left with marks on his neck following a struggle with the victim, who suffered stomach injuries.

It is shocking that such a racist assault could happen in a village like Mid Calder Det Insp Neil Robertson Lothian and Borders Police

The hunt for the racist gang is being led by Detective Inspector Neil Robertson, who described the attack as "appalling".

"We have spoken at length with the victim and we have no doubt this was racially motivated," he said.

"It is shocking that such a racist assault could happen in a village like Mid Calder. There is no place in our society for these types of incidents, which are fortunately quite rare."

Det Insp Robertson added: "The victim managed to grab one of his attackers during the struggle and may have left marks around his neck.

"Anyone who knows someone with unexplained marks around the neck area should contact police."

The attackers are described only as white and tall.