Shocking moment Asian man is punched as he walks down the street by white thug in 'racially motivated attack' amid violent riots in Hartlepool

This is the shocking moment an Asian man was punched in a seemingly racist attack amid violent riots in Hartlepool last night. 

The protests are believed to be connected to the deaths of three little girls in Southport on Monday, who were killed when a knifeman carried out a horrifying stabbing spree at a children's dance class. 

Huge clashes erupted between right-wing protesters and police in several areas of the UK last night, including Hartlepool, where officers were faced with missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them. 

During the violent scenes, horrifying footage posted on social media shows an Asian man being punched in what appears to be a racially motivated unprovoked attack. 

The man can be seen walking down the street by himself before a white man wearing a baseball cap punches him in front of a large crowd.

Others in the background are heard shouting 'a p**i got banged' and 'this is our town'.

Do YOU know the men involved? Email iwan.stone@mailonline.co.uk 

The largest demonstration took place in London at an 'Enough is Enough' protest, where 100 thugs were arrested. Activists took to the streets chanting the name of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson and yelled 'stop the boats'. 

Riot police were also pelted with glass bottles in Manchester, after protesters targeted a Holiday Inn hotel where migrants are believed to be housed.

The most chaotic riots, however, were seen in Hartlepool where thugs were seen throwing objects at riot police, striking their shields and setting a police car on fire.

A series of pops could be heard from the fire which destroyed the vehicle, before there was a louder bang as the fuel tank went up in flames. Right-wing protesters posed for selfies with the wreck after firefighters put the blaze out. 

Cleveland Police said four arrests had been made for various offences including public order and affray and they were taken to custody. 

Chief Superintendent David Sutherland said earlier in the evening: 'We currently have a high policing presence while officers respond to disorder that is taking place in Hartlepool following a protest that began this evening.

'At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.

'Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.

'I want to urge members of the public to stay away from the area.'

Tributes have poured in for the three girls killed who police named as six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar. 

Eight other children suffered stab wounds in the Southport bloodbath. Five are in a critical condition, as are two women who bravely tried to save the children.

A 17-year-old boy, originally from Cardiff but living in nearby Banks, was last night charged with the murders of the three girls.

He will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court this morning.