POLICE are investigating two assaults, including a racially aggravated attack, in the same Ipswich street which were committed just 40 minutes apart.The first assault was on a 26-year-old man who was walking along Rope Walk toward Ipswich town centre when a man barged into him before chasing him and punching him in the head.

POLICE are investigating two assaults, including a racially aggravated attack, in the same Ipswich street which were committed just 40 minutes apart.

The first assault was on a 26-year-old man who was walking along Rope Walk toward Ipswich town centre when a man barged into him before chasing him and punching him in the head.

The attacker was pulled away by his friends and the victim was able to run off. As he ran away a woman shouted an apology at him.

Police believe the attack, which happened at about 10.20pm on Friday, was racially motivated.

At 11pm on the same night a 37-year-old man was walking home along Rope Walk when a man verbally abused him before butting him and punching him.

Once again the attacker was pulled off by his two male friends and the victim was able to escape.

A woman was heard to call the thug “Darren” as she tried to persuade him to stop.

He is described as white, about 20 years old, 5ft 10in, with an average build and short spiky blond hair.

The attacker from the first assault had a similar description - he was white, about 20 years old, about 6ft 2in, and was clean-shaven with short, cropped blond hair.

Anyone with information about either assault should contact Pc Stuart Boldero at Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.