Personal attack alarms are being given to members of the gay community to protect them from a suspected homophobic gang.

The preventative measure follows an unprovoked attack on five gay men in Kemp Town, Brighton, which left one man needing hospital treatment.

The others suffered bruises and knife wounds in the attack early on Thursday.

Sussex Police believe the offenders may be responsible for other assaults on gay men and suspect a homophobic gang is travelling into the city specifically to target gays.

In response a safety forum for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has teamed up with the Street Outreach Service and the Terrence Higgins Trust to give the alarms to those at risk.

Andrea Baldwin, co-ordinator of the safety forum, said: "While the police, together with the community are working hard to catch and prosecute homophobic attackers, the Safety Forum is working with the community to try and prevent attacks occurring.

"High decibel, gas filled personal attack alarms can be used to startle potential attackers, giving time to get away and draw the attention of passers-by."

There have been fewer homophobic assaults recorded in recent weeks but police are still investigating a spate during the summer.

The Brighton and Hove Anti-Victimisation Unit, which concentrates on hate crimes, has vowed to track down those responsible for the latest attack.

The safety forum is also calling for witnesses to the attack to come forward.

Anyone with information about the latest attack is urged to ring Sandra Dempster, the Anti-Victimisation Unit's LGBT Liaison Officer, on 01273 665800.

If people want to give information anonymously they can speak to the safety forum's independent community advocate Paul Stewart on 01273 291090.

To obtain an attack alarm ring the safety forum on 01273 291099, the Street Outreach Service on 01273 625577 or the Terrence Higgins Trust on 01273 764200.