Homophobic attack outside McDonalds in Preston leaves Fulwood man injured

Police have launched an investigation into a homophobic attack in Preston city centre.

22-year-old Ryan Williams was punched in the head after a night out.

In pictures shared with Blog Preston he shows the injuries which were treated at Royal Preston Hospital.

Ryan told Blog Preston: “My friends and I were heading to McDonalds for something to eat after a night out.

“There was a group of people nearby in the street and they started calling me and my friends gay.

“We went over and told them it’s not okay to say things like that.

“As I walked away then one of them ran after me and he hit me in the back of the head.”

Mr Williams, from Fulwood, says he hit the floor and was knocked unconscious.

He claims he was then kicked in the face twice by his attacker.

The attack took place around 6.30am on Saturday (13 July) in Friargate close to the McDonalds.

Preston Police confirmed they are investigating a hate crime.

A spokesman said: “A man made off from the scene with two men and a woman.

“The victim was knocked unconscious suffering facial injuries. He later was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 0311 of July 13.