A STUDENT fears he may never see again after a brutal homophobic attack on Brighton seafront.

Dain Louis and his partner James Loxton were on their way home after a night out when a group of young men started shouting homophobic slurs at them.

The couple tried to ignore the group, but seconds later were punched and kicked to the ground near the Queens Hotel.

Social work student Dain, 21, who lives in Brighton, suffered fractured eye sockets, cheeks and a broken nose in the ferocious attack.

Dain is waiting to find out from eye specialists today (Thurs) whether the sight will return to his left eye.

James, 23, who lives in London, also suffered cuts and bruises in the attack.

Dain told The Argus: "We were out with a group of friends and as we were heading to get a taxi a couple of guys started shouting homophobic insults at us.

"We just ignored it and kept our heads down.

"The next thing we knew we were both knocked to the floor and were being kicked in the face.

"I blacked out and woke up in hospital.

"My eye socket was shattered and my eye filled up with blood.

"It is still totally swollen and I have to go back tomorrow to see if I will be able to see again."

The brutal attack, just before 5am on Monday, only came to an end when passersby intervened and alerted the police.

Despite being the victims of such a ferocious attack, Dain and James said they wanted to highlight what had happened to them to raise awareness that homophobic attacks can happen even in a welcoming city like Brighton and Hove.

"Even the police said they were so shocked," said Dain.

"We have been so overwhelmed by everyone's response and support for us.

"But it has shaken me. I went to Asda and became really anxious just being around other people, but I don't want to let this stop me living my life.

"That makes me feel much more positive.

"I want something good to come out of this."

Sussex Police said they were keen to speak to a taxi driver who saw the attack and flagged down a passing police car.

Two men, both aged 18, and from Crawley, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and assaulting a police officer.

Both have been released on bail to July 5.

Anyone who witnessed the attack - in particular the taxi driver - is urged to call 101 quoting serial 213 of 02/05.