A rugby player who was promoting his LGBT rugby team was attacked on Manchester’s Canal Street, and police ar treating the incident as a hate crime.

The 24-year-old man was approached by a group of men and punched in the face.

Police have appealed for information about the attack which took place at around 9pm on 1 November.

Police released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the attack.

Detective Constablt Louise Kelly told ITV News: “He was approached by a group of about four men who shouted homophobic abuse at him and one of them punched him in the face. The victim was treated in hospital for a broken jaw. Officers have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the attack.

“We believe this to be a homophobic attack and I want to make it clear that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated on our streets. “The victim was merely promoting his rugby team, but was subjected to an attack, during which he suffered a broken jaw and has had a metal plate inserted into his face.

“I want to reassure local businesses and residents, who live, reside or socialise in the gay village that we are treating this extremely seriously.

Anyone with information related to the attack should contact police by calling 101.