Four men have been arrested after a racist gang attacked two men in the Lund Park area of Keighley.

The men were attacked on Wednesday evening after a gang of up to 20 Asian youths taunted them and shouted abuse.

One of the victims, Michael Thompson, 32, (above) a well-known campaigner for a single fathers' support group, was rushed to Airedale Hospital with serious facial injuries.

He has since been transferred to Bradford Royal Infirmary, where yesterday he underwent surgery. He is said to be in a stable condition.

Mr Thompson and an un-named 31-year-old man had been walking along Victoria Road, near Holycroft Primary School, when a group of 15 to 20 Asian youths started shouting abuse at them.

The group then attacked the men.

A police spokesman said: "As police arrived at the scene the youths dispersed. It is being treated as a racist incident.

"We are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have seen the suspects running away from the area."

They should contact Acting Detective Sergeant Martin on 01535 617085 or the helpdesk on 01535 617059.

The investigation is being headed by Detective Chief Inspector Roger Gasson. Yesterday cordons around the scene of the attack were taken down after forensic experts completed an examination.

Mr Thompson's brother, Stephen, said: "They were walking through the Lund Park area at the time and a group of young Asian lads were shouting abuse at them without provocation."

This is the latest in a long line of attacks in the area over recent months.

Police say they are not at this stage linking this to previous incidents.

Keighley South councillor Lynne Joyce has headed a campaign to cut anti-social behaviour in the area. Councillors, police and community groups met last month to look for a solution.

At that time Cllr Joyce said lack of communication between local groups had been the problem.

A further meeting was due to be held today between local groups and police community co-ordinator Sergeant Allan Gee.

Michael Thompson hit the headlines in January when he walked from Keighley to London following the British canal network.

The Braithwaite dad, who has an 11-year-old daughter, Kirsty, regularly updated the Keighley News on his adventures along the way, which included sleeping rough and making new friends.