A man was hit round the face with a brick during a homophobic assault.

The 44-year-old victim was walking home when he was approached by two men who asked if he was gay.

The victim made no reply as the attackers struck him with the brick, fracturing his cheek bone.

The Brighton and Hove police Anti Victimisation Unit today appealed for witnesses to the assault to come forward.

It happened in Marine Parade at the junction with Burlington Street, Brighton, at 4.30am on Tuesday.

Both offenders are 20 to 25 and one is 5ft 8in and wore dark clothing and a dark baseball cap. The other is 5ft 11in and had a thin ginger or fair beard. He wore a straw hat with a band.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Jock McGorry on 01273 665502.