Police are appealing for witnesses after homophobic abuse was hurled at a man before he was punched in the face.

The man, aged 25 and from Barrow-in-Furness, was set upon by five men.

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He was leaving Guildhall Street and heading into Fishergate in the city centre when the incident took place around 1.45am on Sunday (12 August).

Police say the victim was approached by the men who subjected him to homophobic abuse and then attacked.

DC Andy Forsyth from Preston CID said: “This was an utterly appalling assault on a man who was simply enjoying a night out with friends but left with a fractured jaw and unable to open his eye because it was so swollen.

“There is no place for any kind of homophobia in Preston and we are determined to find the thugs responsible.

“If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch.”

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Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting crime number SA1816862.

Or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 01772209796.