London, Nov 10 :  Four people suffered stab wounds after a mob of white and black youths set upon Muslim students of 'Asian' origin near City University in north London, police said Tuesday.

Three students and a passerby who tried to intervene had to be hospitalised when the 30-strong mob armed with knives, metal poles, bricks and sticks attacked a group of South Asian students Thursday.

There was no immediate information on the nationalities of the students, but a student spokesman told IANS they included both South Asians and Arabs. IANS was unable to verify the claim.

City University - rated among the world's top 500 - has a large international student base, including many from India.

Police have arrested three teenagers and increased patrolling in the local Islington area. (IANS)