A man dialled 999 after being attacked in the street but despite repeated calls to police, no officers arrived.

Rob Dean was knocked over and kicked in the face by a group of men in what police are treating as a homophobic attack.

He was left bleeding and badly concussed.

In the end two friends of Mr Dean, 27, went to a police station to report the attack but said they had to wait four hours to make a complaint.

The assault took place on Marine Parade shortly before 2am on Sunday.

No homophobic insults were hurled but if victims believe they were attacked because of their sexuality then police treat it as such.

Mr Dean, advertising manager of Gay Times magazine, said: "I was walking along the seafront near Harry Ramsden's with my partner and a friend. I was slightly apart from the others and I am told I was surrounded by about eight people.

"I remember it seemed quick and well-rehearsed. I was being kicked in the head on the floor.

"As soon as my friends realised what was happening the rest of the guys ran away.

"I was badly concussed, vomiting and my nose was bleeding. We were close to our hotel so we went straight back and called the police.

"At first we were told someone would be there in five minutes, then an hour, then 9am. But no one came.

"We refused to let the attack go unreported so two friends waited for four hours at the John Street police station trying to make a complaint."

Mr Dean, who lives in north London, said he was only visiting Brighton for the weekend and the attack would not put him off returning.

He was unhappy with the police response. He said: "When I tried to complain, I was told I had to appreciate the reality of modern-day policing.

"This attack is not just a gay-related concern. Although it is a gay area, it could have been anyone in that place at that time.

"My left eye is still very red and bloodshot. I have been told I was kicked with trainers so the marks on my skin were minimal. But someone else might be hurt far worse next time."

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Phil Aldred said: "We are looking into why our response was not as good as it should have been. Then we will take steps to try to make sure it does not happen again.

"We appeal to anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward and any other victims of similar attacks to speak to us. We are trying to build links with the gay community."

He was unable to confirm how many officers were on duty but said: "We always prioritise people so those who may need medical attention can receive it before we speak to them."