A GANG of youths launched a “vicious” street attack on a man in East Yorkshire after hurling homophobic abuse at him, police said.

The 45-year-old victim was targeted in Southgate, Market Weighton, on Sunday night and may have been knocked unconscious during the assault.

Humberside Police are now scouring CCTV footage as they search for clues to track down the thugs, who struck between 10.30pm and 10.40pm. Police said the man was lucky to escape with minor injuries.

The victim, who is from the town, was walking along Southgate when he was approached by the gang, who shouted homophobic abuse at him. This led to a confrontation with at least one member of the group.

The attack left the victim with a cut to his arm and bruises to his body, and police said the victim believed he lost consciousness during the assault.

It is not known where the youths went afterwards.

Sergeant Peter Rogers, of the Pocklington and Wolds Weighton Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the crime was being treated “very seriously” and he hoped passers-by, such as those heading home at the time after a night out, may be able to provide crucial information.

He said: “This is a particularly unpleasant and vicious attack which could have had far more serious consequences for the victim.

“The fact it occurred on a main arterial road into Market Weighton may mean there were witnesses to this incident, and we would ask anybody who saw anything to contact us.”

Anybody who saw the attack or has any information about it should phone the neighbourhood policing team on 0845 6060 222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.