A man is fighting for his life after being set upon during a night out with friends in what police are describing as a homophobic attack.
The 22-year-old man was enjoying a night out with friends when a gang of up to 13 people assaulted him on Stanley Street in Liverpool on Sunday night.
The unnamed victim is currently in a life threatining condition in hospital after suffering numerous skull fractures, a fractured cheek bone and a fractured eye socket in the vicious assault.
Three male youths from Kirkdale - two aged 15 and one aged 14 - have been arrested on suspicion of assault and are currently being questioned by detectives.
DCI Tim Keelan, said: "I would appeal to anyone who may have information which could help us to catch those responsible for this despicable crime to come forward.
"Intensive inquires are taking place and we are currently examining CCTV footage from around the time of the incident to identify those responsible.
"We are treating the assault as a homophobic hate crime and this incident shows there are still some people who have not learnt that crimes of this type are completely unacceptable.
"People who commit hate crimes can expect the full attention of the police and we will not rest until the offenders are brought to justice. The offenders will learn their lesson the hard way.
"We have stepped up high visibility patrols in the area to reassure the public and we would urge the community to help us with our enquiries and find those responsible."
He added: "Merseyside Police is commited to taking robust and positive action when investigating hate crimes.
"The force has a number of specialist Sigma Investigation Units, which provide support for victims whilst at the same time taking action to arrest and prosecute offenders.
"The Sigma Unit in Liverpool North is involved in this investigation and will be working with the victim in this case."
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information which could help
the police with their inquiries should contact detectives at St Anne Street
police station on 0151 777 4064, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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