Bristol attack victim says homophobia is 'still an issue'

The man was attacked outside Seamus O'Donnell's pub on St Nicholas Street in Bristol

A man who was punched in the face in a homophobic attack said that the incident has left him shaken.

The man, who does not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, was assaulted outside Seamus O'Donnell's pub in Bristol at 02:00 GMT on 20 January.

He told the BBC that the incident had made him feel that "homophobia is still an issue in this country".

Avon and Somerset Police said it is treating the incident as a hate crime. No arrests have been made so far.

The man, aged in his 20s, said he was attacked after a confrontation that lasted just 20 seconds.

He suffered a broken nose, eye socket and cheekbone, as well as a split eyebrow, and had to be dragged to safety by his friends.

"I have been out since but even walking from the bar to the taxi I was really on edge. You always think 'it won't happen to me'," he said.

"It was just a regular night, the pub had a drag event on and they were handing out paper pride flags.

"My boyfriend was given one and we went outside when we were approached by someone who ripped the flag out of his hand and started stamping on it.

"They were trying to get a reaction out of us, calling us homophobic slurs," he added.

'Blindsided'

Shortly afterwards, the man was punched in the face and his boyfriend was also attacked.

"I was blindsided, the bruising was horrific," he said.

Bristol has a vibrant gay scene with many thousands attending Pride every year

Reflecting on the attack, the man said he was "worried" that those responsible had not been found.

He added: "I do worry that I'd be recognised if I'm out in Bristol and it is hard to enjoy yourself when that's on your mind.

"I am Bristolian, I have lived here all my life, and I have always felt safe here and accepted.

"For me to experience something like this in my home city is really upsetting."