POLICE patrols in a Hampshire village are being stepped up following a fight that resulted in the death of an Indian sailor.
Detectives investigating the attack on Gregory Fernandes, 32, of Goa, say they are now treating it as a racially motivated incident.
Mr Fernandes, 32, and a 29-year-old friend were confronted by up to 20 youths as they walked through Fawley on Saturday night.
Villagers say their lives are being blighted by under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour. Some are refusing to go out at night, claiming they feel intimidated by large gangs of teenage yobs.
Chief Inspector Gary Cooper, of New Forest police, said officers were aware of the problem.
He said: "Groups of youths congregating in Fawley can intimidate local residents. Safer Neighbourhoods officers are working closely with our partner agencies to tackle youth nuisance and anti-social behaviour."
Chief Insp Cooper urged residents to ring the police if they saw any examples of youth nuisance or witnessed people indulging in anti-social behaviour.
"This helps us build a picture of local issues and act on them accordingly," he said.
Commenting on the death of Mr Fernandes he added: "I would like reassure local people the police are taking this tragic incident extremely seriously."
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