A man was cut round the throat with a knife in a homophobic attack - the second of its kind in a week in Brighton.

Police said the 40-year-old victim was with two friends in the Market Cafe in Circus Street, Brighton, just before 3am when the offender hurled homophobic abuse at him.

The victim was sitting at a table when the attacker pulled him by the hair and put a knife to his throat, leaving a small cut. He was then beaten.

The victim was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, with a suspected broken nose and cuts.

PC Malcolm Wauchope said: "He is in deep shock and was very frightened. He can't understand why these types of attacks happen."

A 41-year-old man was helping police with their inquiries. Witnesses, including two men who were seen with the offender, have been asked to contact the Brighton police Anti Victimisation Unit.

Last Wednesday five gay men were attacked with a baseball bat and a sharp-bladed weapon in Kemp Town. One victim needed hospital treatment.

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 out personal alarms.

Anyone interested should call the forum on 01273 291099, the Street Outreach Service on 01273 625577 or the Terrence Higgins Trust on 01273 764200.