Police have offered a £2,500 reward to catch two homophobic attackers who broke a man's ribs and jaw and left his partner badly bruised.

The cash will go to anyone whose information leads to the conviction of the men.

The attackers targeted the couple as they walked home after a night out in Hastings, shortly after 11pm on Saturday.

The victims, 21 and 26, were walking along Bohemia Road when two men got out of a red car and began punching, kicking and hitting them with a piece of wood.

Both received severe facial injuries and the older man had to be taken to a specialist hospital at East Grinstead for treatment.

Their attackers were both about 6ft and had Liverpool accents.

One of the men involved was well built and bald while the other was slim and had short, grey curly hair.

Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Underhill, crime manager of Senlac division, said: "All attacks are unacceptable but particularly so when people are singled out because of their sexuality.

"We take this sort of assault very seriously and believe the vast majority of people in the town will be disgusted that two men enjoying a night out have been so brutally assaulted in such a way."

"We hope the reward may encourage someone who has been told about this appalling attack to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Amanda Snashall at Hastings CID on 0845 6070999, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.