A MARCH of solidarity will take place in New Brighton on Saturday as public outrage grows after a shocking racial attack on the resort’s promenade.

A gang of racist thugs set about their victim - who at his request we are naming only as Bashi - after he tried to prevent them from assaulting his family.

Bashi was beaten with a metal bar leaving a wound that required 22 stitches.

The attack has caused an outcry since the Globe exclusively reported it yesterday.

The area's MP branded it "appaling" and has written to the borough's police chief calling for the search for those reponsible to be stepped up.

And now a peace march is to take place from the Floral Pavilion at noon on Saturday.

Among the march's organisers is Alex May who said: “I live in New Brighton and the point of the march is to show that New Brighton will not tolerate this sort of behaviour.

“It was appalling and we want to show our support for Bashi and his family.

"We want them to know that we are right behind them and hope those who attacked him are caught.”

Bashi, a civil servant, told the Globe today: “I’m overwhelmed by the support that I’ve had since the attack.

“I was very surprised when I had a call from my brother to say there was going to be a march.

"We are very touched and grateful to local people."

Bashi was at home last Saturday night when he received a call from his brother who was out with other family members on the promenade and were being attacked by a gang of youths.

Bashi ran to the scene and tried to protect his family. He was then surrounded by up to 15 members of the gang who began raining blows down on him.

One of the thugs hit him above the eye with a metal bar and the gang then ran off.

Wallasey MP Angela Eagle has written to Wirral Chief Superintendent Jon Martin calling on him to step up the search for those responsible.

Ms Eagle said: "I trust the police will investigate this thoroughly.

“This is an appalling attack and my thoughts are with the family who have undergone this traumatic incident.

“Racism has no place in our society and this must be taken extremely seriously.

"We need to stop this intimidating behaviour and all residents must feel safe anywhere in our community.”

Police have launched a full investigation.

Detective Inspector Toni Tate said: "This was a very serious attack on a man who had intervened in an attempt to diffuse the situation.

“We are treating this as a racially aggravated assault. The victim has suffered serious injuries to his eye as a result of being hit in the head with a metal bar.

“The assault took place during daylight hours on the promenade and it is possible people in the area saw what happened.

"I am sure the local community would agree that this type of behaviour has no place on Merseyside and I would like to reassure the public that we will do everything possible to find those responsible.

"Information from the public is really important for our investigations and every piece of information is looked into so please come forward if you know anything about this matter.”

Anyone with information should call detectives in the Wirral SIGMA team on 0151 777 2884 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.