A 44-year-old man has been hospitalised after being attacked in St James Street, Brighton, at around 1am on Saturday July 31. The man was walking with a friend when he was struck in the face with a bottle by two men before being beaten unconscious. He was then hit again with a broken bottle, causing injuries on his face and neck. The two men then ran off along Margaret Street.
The man’s friend was not injured and said that nothing was stolen or taken from them but believes the incident was a “deliberate and premeditated homophobic attack”. The two attackers, who were thought to have been with at least one other man, then ran off down Margaret Street. The man was then taken to hospital in a police van as no ambulances were available.
Another close friend said how shocked they were and commented ‘He can’t remember much, but they attacked him from behind with a bottle, beat him unconscious and whilst unconscious they slashed his face and neck. He awoke to a group of policemen around him. There were no ambulances so they had to take him to hospital in a police van.’
In a statement provided to The Argus, detective inspector James Meanwell said that the attack is being investigated and the motive has not yet been confirmed. He added: “Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact the police either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 83 of 31/07.”