A mother has spoken of her pride in her son after he was beaten up for standing up to homophobes.

Sue Fallon’s son Jack Young was bottled in the street at the weekend after confronting people who were shouting homophobic abuse during a post-Pride party.

When she used the Wipe Out Homophobia Facebook group to share his story she attracted hundreds of messages of support.

Mr Young, 18, told his mother he had become separated from his friends in the St James’s Street area late on Saturday night.

He then came across a group of people who were making remarks about the gay community.

He said he confronted them only to be hit with a bottle.

Jack was left with a large gash and several cuts on his face.

Mrs Fallon, 41, wrote: “Luckily it does not look that bad.

“But all I can think of is what might have been.

“I am extremely proud of my son for what he did.

“I know for a fact that if he came across the same situation again he would react the same, it’s just how he is.”

Jack has not given a statement to police.

He was unavailable to speak to The Argus last night but his mother said he was happy for his story to be published.

After she posted his photo and story on the Facebook site, more than 4,000 people left “Likes” and more than 700 left comments within 24 hours.

Mrs Fallon, who lives in Southwick, said: “The shock for me is how loving and genuine the LGBT community have been.

“Someone has even offered him tickets to Thorpe Park.”

Sussex Police made 40 arrests during Pride and the celebrations which followed.

Detectives have appealed for information about a separate attack on the seafront near the Palace Pier at 11.30pm on Saturday.

A 16-year-old needed several stitches after he was assaulted by a man in his late teens or early 20s.

The man was 5ft 7in, small, with black, braided hair.

Anyone with information about that assault is asked to call Sussex Police on 101.