Student is 'critical' after racist gang attack

A Muslim student was critically ill in hospital today after a racist attack by five white men.

Police said that during the attack one of the men shouted: "Do you want us to kick you out of the country?"

The victim, who had been fasting for the Muslim festival of Ramadan, had left home to buy food at an Asda store in Edgware Road, Colindale, at about 2am on Sunday.

Minutes before the attack, the suspects, who are in their twenties, are believed to have stopped at a nearby takeaway.

Detectives think they may have attracted attention in the Alkis Kebab House in Sunnyside Terrace and are appealing for witnesses.

The victim, who has not been named, is being treated at a central London hospital.

His 19-year-old brother and their friend, also 19, suffered cuts and bruises in the unprovoked attack.

They were waiting for family members to arrive from Nigeria today.

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 8733 5802 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.