London (PTI): A leading East End clergyman was allegedly attacked by two Asian youths in the premises of his church in what the British police claimed was a "faith-hate" crime.

Scotland Yard charged that the unnamed youths attacked Canon Michael Ainsworth, 57, at St George-in-the-East Church in Shadwell on Wednesday.

Police are treating the attack on the 57-year-old clergyman as an alleged 'faith hate' crime.

Scotland Yard said: "The group is thought to have been made up of three youths, two of whom attacked Canon Ainsworth. They also allegedly made remarks insulting his occupation."

No arrests have been made, but police say they are looking for three Asian suspects.

A resident told the local media: "This was a terrible attack on Canon Ainsworth in our churchyard.... All the church members are in shock by what happened."