Police in Middlesbrough are appealing for help to catch homophobic thugs who left a teenager with head injuries in an anti-gay attack.

Cleveland Police are appealing for information after an 18-year-old man was the victim of homophobic abuse and was assaulted on the cycle path to the rear of Hollis Academy in Saltersgill in Middlesbrough.

The incident occurred at around 8:30 PM on Monday 10th April, when the victim was approached by a group of males who subject him to homophobic abuse and then threw a brick at the rear of his head.

The group of males then ran off in different directions.

One of them was described as wearing a mustard coloured ‘puffer’ style jacket.

As a result of the attack, the victim was taken to James Cook University Hospital where he was treated for head injuries and has since been released.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact PC Josh Parry on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.