Police in Chelmsford are investigating an assault on a man just minutes after he was subjected to homophobic abuse.
The incident happened between 11pm and 11.30pm on Friday, July 14 when the victim, a man in his 30s, was walking along Moulsham Street outside The Anchor pub arm-in-arm with a friend.
A group of people shouted homophobic abuse at the pair, prompting the victim and his friend to challenge the group.
The victim then felt a sharp pain to the back of his head and fell to the floor.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “The victim believes he was targeted because of his sexual orientation and the attack is being treated as a hate crime.”
Officers have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the assault, as part of their investigation.
Anyone who recognises the man or has any information which can help police should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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