Gang attack on man treated as hate crime by police

A man was left needing hospital treatment after being attacked by a group of at least five men who had earlier made homophobic comments.

The victim, aged in his mid 20s, was left with facial injuries after being punched and kicked by the group outside the Old Bridge Pub in Holmfirth on Saturday.

West Yorkshire Police's Sgt Toni Ramsden said the "cowardly attack" came after the gang had made offensive slurs to the victim and his partner.

"Due to homophobic comments made by the suspects to the victim and his partner earlier in the evening, we have recorded a hate crime in relation to the assault," the officer added.

The group who attacked the victim, at about 21:00 BST, were described as being between 18 to 20 years old.

Anyone who saw or may have video footage of what took place is asked to get in touch with police.