A gang of boys as young as 12 left Graham Munday bruised and bleeding in the street - just because he is gay.

About a dozen young drinkers, none aged more than 15, shouted homophobic insults before punching and kicking their victim.

Mr Munday, 32, was knocked to the ground during the onslaught. As he lay on the pavement they hurled bottles and drink cans at him before runnning off.

Mr Munday suffered a broken nose, black eyes and cuts.

Covered in blood, he staggered to a house where the occupier helped him and raised the alarm.

The attack happened in Ashton Rise, a short distance from Brighton police station in John Street.

Mr Munday was walking with his partner Jeff Hall, 33, who suffered a cut to his face but managed to escape serious injury.

Officers searched the area but there was no trace of the attackers.

Mr Munday, who is recovering at his Brighton home after treatment at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, said: "It was a very shocking experience and the first time I have suffered homophobic violence.

"I have been in Brighton for 15 years and never had any trouble before."

Mr Munday said the attackers were young but there were so many of them he was unable to defend himself.

He said: "It's shocking they were so young. I think better education at school is needed."

Mr Munday praised the homeowner in Ivory Place who helped him and two women police officers investigating the attack.

He added: "There was a feeling in this city at one time that if you were gay it was no good phoning the police.

"That has definitely changed. They were helpful, sympathetic and understanding and I would encourage all other victims to contact them."

Inspector Julie Wakeford of Brighton police said: "This was a particularly vicious assault on innocent members of the public and we urgently need to speak to witnesses."

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Cheesman, head of Brighton CID, said he was disturbed by the offence and the age of the attackers.

A full investigation has been launched and Mr Cheesman urged any other victims of homophobic crimes to come forward.

He added: "At one time we would receive letters of complaint from victims.

"Now we are receiving letters of appreciation and I hope this demonstrates how seriously we take such offences and how sympathetic we are to victims."

Anyone with information about the Ashton Rise attack at 9.30pm on Friday is asked to contact Brighton police on 0845 6070999.