The Government will today announce backing for a £1 million police hit squad to tackle homophobic, racist and domestic violence in Brighton and Hove.

The unit will be one of the first of its kind in the country and comes at a time of increasing concern about gay attacks in the towns.

A 42-year-old man suffered serious head injuries when he tried to stop what police said was a gay assault on a 29-year-old man in St James's Street, Brighton, last month. Two youths have been charged with attempted murder.

Earlier, two men were attacked and threatened with a knife at Duke's Mound, a popular meeting place for gays near Brighton Marina.

There were 400 racist and more than 2,500 domestic incidents reported in the town during the year ending in March.

The numbers are on the rise, mainly due to increased reporting.

Sussex Police today declined to reveal details about the new unit until the Home Officeformally announced the funding, but the Argus understands the "anti-

victimisation initiative" will be launched early in November.

The money will go towards paying for new officers to join those already seconded to the unit.

Case and administration workers will be hired and advertisements placed in newspapers, including those aimed at the gay and ethnic communities.

The unit, made up of ten officers and led by a detective inspector, will target offenders, gather intelligence and conduct covert surveillance. It will investigate all domestic, racial and homophobic crimes.

Other staff will provide victim care and support and offer extra security to them.

Campaigns and publicity drives will be aimed at encouraging people to come forward and report crimes.

The Argus understands the unit will work closely with the probation service, Brighton and Hove Council, Victim Support, the Lesbian and Gay Community Safety Forum and the Racial Harassment Forum.