One of the Britain’s long surviving HIV sufferers has been brutally beaten up in a random attack.

John Percy, of Grand Parade, Brighton, was attacked in Camelford Street, Kemp Town, Brighton, at about 9pm on Monday.

The 48-year-old was punched to the floor, repeatedly kicked in the ribs, legs and head before the two attackers ran off.

He staggered to Legends bar in Marine Parade where he was taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment.

Mr Percy, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1981, said: “I went into the internet cafe at the top of St James’s Street to pick up a Friday Ad.

"There was a man outside being rowdy and shouting obscenities at the women inside and passing in the street.

"When I left I rounded the corner and the man and his friend ran up behind me, punched me to the floor and then battered me.

"If they had kicked me in the left side of my head they would have probably killed me because I had metal clips fitted after a brain haemorrhage in 1996.”

Mr Percy said he did not know whether it was a homophobic attack but that he is leaving Brighton because he is concerned about the number of gays being targeted.

He said: “I’ve been forced out of Brighton because of the amount of abuse I’ve had.

"I have been frightened to leave my home at night for a while because of the attacks on gay people.”

One of the attackers is described as wearing a black top and the other man was wearing a white top.

On August 29, two thugs attacked two gay men on the corner of St George’s Road and Abbey Road, Kemp Town, breaking one man’s jaw and stealing their bank cards.

In May, a gang of teenage boys shouted homophobic abuse at a man before punching him to the ground, kicking him and then spitting at him.

And last week, traders complained about homeless people shouting abuse at their workers and customers.

Brighton and Hove city councillor Ben Duncan, who represents the area, said: “It’s absolutely appalling there has been another attack.

“It seems to be happening more frequently. But it isn’t unique to the St James’s Street area.”

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said officers were investigating the latest incident. Witnesses should contact DS Sarah Gillies at Brighton CID on 0845 6070999.