Racist louts are targeting foreign students visiting Clacton.

One youngster was threatened with a knife in the town centre.

Other visitors - from as far afield as China - have been subjected stone-throwing and racial taunts.

A teacher from Spain was assaulted by a gang of youngsters in the most serious attack.

It is the second year running mindless yobs have targeted students staying in the town on a trip arranged by the Colchester English Study Centre.

Principle Sarah Greatorex appealed for vigilance and for any witnesses to get in touch with the police.

"Eventually Clacton will get a reputation of not being a nice place to visit," she said.

"We want the students to be safe and to do outdoor activities in the evenings.

"These are young people who have come to get to know Great Britain and this makes a very bad impression.

"In other areas these trips have been scrapped because of racist attacks like this "It would be a shame if visitors were turned away from Clacton."

***MUST PAR***Mrs Greatorex added the families looking after the students have been very welcoming.

Clacton Police has stepped up patrols at trouble spots and given the teenagers a police mobile phone number.

Insp Paul Butcher appealed for an end to the attacks.

"They have mainly been low level incidents like stone-throwing and name-calling but it is disgraceful nonetheless," he continued.

"Operations are ongoing and officers are patrolling hot-spots.

"We are taking it seriously and going all-out to put a stop to it."

The visiting 14 to 18-year-olds, mainly from Europe, take part in lessons at the Colchester Institute campus in Clacton's Church Road.

Accommodation for 120 teenagers is arranged with local families.

Anyone with information about the attack on the Spanish teacher in Skelmersdale Road on Saturday at 11.55pm, or any of the other incidents, should call Clacton police on 01255 221312.

* Four Clacton youngsters arrested in connection with the incident have been bailed pending further enquiries.