Christian Hattensperger needed stitches to his head after the attack

Christian Hattensperger needed stitches to his head after being beaten with a metal bar in Margate.

He was attacked by local youths on Wednesday night, who verbally abused him because of his nationality.

His English teacher Eva Wilke said she feared attacks would escalate during the World Cup. Thanet MP Roger Gale said it brought "shame on the town".

Mr Hattensperger, who was in Kent to learn English, told BBC South East Today: "He just took a metal stick and swung it into my forehead and caused quite serious injury."

It could happen in any town in the country. Sadly, it's happened in Margate Roger Gale MP

He and his fellow students were playing football in Dane Park, near the seafront, at about 2130 BST when the attack happened.

The student said: "I think the reason they attacked me is because we were German and the World Cup starts in a few days."

Ms Wilke said foreign students had been attacked dozens of times in the past few years.

She said: "The poor boy had to spend half a night in hospital and had to have stitches.

"It was quite a serious incident. He wasn't just slapped around the face, he was actually attacked with a metal object."

Mr Gale said: "There are people who use events like the World Cup as an excuse for xenophobic violence.

"It could happen in any town in the country. Sadly, it's happened in Margate and that brings shame on the town."