VISITING German students are too frightened to go out in Weymouth because of the campaign of violence being waged against them, language school bosses said today.

Five teenagers were left nursing broken teeth and bleeding noses after being subjected to an unprovoked attack in the town centre.

It is the latest in a series of attacks against the students who have also been spat at, racially abused and taunted by local youths giving Nazi salutes and goose-stepping.

Julia Wilhelm, manager of the Europartner language school in Dorchester Road, said the students are now refusing to go out at night because they are too frightened.

Miss Wilhelm said she now wants to work with police and community leaders before more groups arrive.

She said: "I feel so frustrated and angry because I can't protect them."

Police are investigating four separate incidents against German students in the last week - the most serious being when five boys aged 14 and 15 were punched repeatedly in the face.

Some needed emergency dental treatment following the attack, near the King's Statue.

Miss Wilhelm said: "It was the first night they had off on their own and they were looking forward to going outside without the leaders.

"We give the students a security talk when they arrive and the police also have a chat.

"We tell them never to hit back if they are assaulted and instead to run and shout for help.

"The boys were going to run away but one of the girls with them was on crutches and they didn't want to leave her.

"We believe the same people are responsible for taunting the younger students who were being walked home by their leader the night before. It's really upsetting."

She added: "The students are very frightened. They are leaving on Saturday and have told me they don't want to go out in Weymouth any more.

"I have to think about what to do for the future when more students arrive.

"Most of the students we have are from central and southern Germany and have never seen a beach before so they love coming to Weymouth.

"They stay with host families and have a fantastic time, but an assault can overshadow the whole experience."

PC Mike Green is appealing for witnesses to the attacks. The most serious at the King's Statue happened on Tuesday night.

PC Green said: "We will not tolerate this behaviour in Weymouth.

"We ask people to be vigilant and if they have any information to contact the police on 01305 222222."