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A receptionist says he was knocked unconscious 'for being gay' in a sickening homophobic attack after a night out.

Ryan Williams has shared graphic photos of his facial injuries suffered in the beating.

The 22-year-old says he was thumped over the head, repeatedly kicked in the face and left wounded on the floor in Preston, Lancashire.

Police said the attack is being treated as a hate crime.

“I never thought in my life that I would get beaten up for being gay," the hotel receptionist wrote in a heartfelt message on Facebook .

"Wtf has this world actually come too, you’re all vile and disgusting! I want people to understand that being gay isn't a choice and I can’t help it, I’m sorry that you can’t deal with it but hey ho no need to knock someone out because of it.

(Image: Facebook)

"I seriously can not believe that a homophobic attack happens. Which it does and it’s wrong. Stand strong and love yourself, this isn’t gonna stop me from being fabulous. Being gay is OK."

More than 110,000 people - including strangers from across the globe - have liked the status and left messages of support.

Ryan, who needed treatment at Royal Preston Hospital after Saturday's attack, said: “My friends and I were heading to McDonalds for something to eat after a night out.

“There was a group of people nearby in the street and they started calling me and my friends gay.

“We went over and told them it’s not okay to say things like that.

“As I walked away then one of them ran after me and he hit me in the back of the head.”

Ryan, of Preston, is aiding police with the investigation.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We were called around 6.30am on Saturday (July 13) following reports of an assault in Friargate, Preston.

(Image: Google)

"A man in his 20s had been punched by another man close to McDonalds. The offender then made off from the scene with two men and a woman.

"The victim was knocked unconscious suffering facial injuries. He later was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.

"The assault is being investigated as a hate crime and enquiries are on-going.

"Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 0311 of July 13."

It follows a string of vile homophobic attacks recently.

In Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, youths surrounded a taxi, ripped open the doors and kicked and punched the passengers aged between 14 and 16.

And in Hull, Ellie-Mae Mulholland was called a 'f****** lesbian' and attacked in the street.

The teenager was left with a busted nose, two black-eyes and two big lumps on her head.