A man was attacked with a baseball bat outside a Horley pub after homophobic abuse was yelled at him.

The victim, aged in his 20s, was attacked outside the Hot Air Balloon pub in Brighton Road (A23) just before 9.50pm on Sunday, March 9.

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said he did not need hospital treatment for the injuries he suffered to his lower back during the assault.

But appealing for information about the attack, investigating officer PC Dave Johns called the assault “deeply upsetting.”

PC Johns said: "I would appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time of the assault to contact us with information, as we urgently need to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

He continued: "Incidents of this nature are deeply upsetting for victims and we will do all we can to find the offender.”

The attacker was described as a white man aged between 20 and 25-years-old, who was of slim build, around 5ft 8ins tall and with short brown hair. He was driving a blue car which he left the scene in, driving in the direction of Crawley.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45140019000. The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.