Two men were treated in hospital – one for a fractured eye socket – after being attacked on Brighton seafront on Bank Holiday Monday (2 May).
Sussex Police said that two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), actual bodily harm (ABH) and assaulting police.
The force said: “Police are seeking witnesses, including a taxi driver, who saw a vicious attack on two men on the seafront at Brighton.
“At 5am on Monday (2 May) officers in a patrolling police car were flagged down by a passing taxi driver who told them two men had just been attacked in King’s Road, on the south pavement opposite the Queen’s Hotel.
“Officers found the two men, one aged 23, from Ruislip in north west London, and one aged 22, from Brighton, and they were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital to be treated for face and head injuries. The 23-year old sustained a fractured eye socket.
“Two men were arrested at the scene after a struggle with officers on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, causing actual bodily harm, and assault on police.
“After being interviewed the men, both aged 18 and from Crawley, were released on police bail until (Tuesday) 5 July while inquiries continue.”
Detective Constable Sarah Townsend said: “We would like to speak to that taxi driver and to anyone else who saw what happened.
“A homophobic motive for the attacks is one of our principal lines of inquiry.”
Anyone who saw the attack or who has information about it is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
