A MAN is wanted by police after two women were punched and verbally abused in a homophobic attack on the street.

The women were walking home along London Road, in East Grinstead, when a man started directing homophobic abuse at them.

He continued to abuse them on Kings Street and, when one of the women challenged him, he punched her twice in the face twice. 

She attended hospital with injuries to her face following the incident, at around 2.30am on Sunday, August 21,

The other woman was pushed in the face by the man causing a minor injury.

Police have released a photograph of a man they would like to speak to connection with the incident.

The man police would like to speak with in connection with this incident is white, skinny and around 6ft.

He has dark short hair and was wearing grey jogging bottoms with a black zip, a black t-shirt and a black baseball cap.

Detective Constable James Butcher said: “We are urging anyone who recognises this man to contact us as we believe he can assist us with our investigation. 

“This was a nasty experience for both the victims and we want anyone with information to speak with us.”

If you have information which could help detectives with their investigation report it to police online or call 101 quoting serial number 177 of 21/07.

You can find out more information and to report a hate crime here: https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/hco/hate-crime/