A man is in critical condition after a suspected homophobic attack in Bristol city centre.

Emergency services were called to St Nicholas Street in the early hours of 24 April, where a man in his 30s was found unconscious with serious facial injuries.

He was taken to the hospital, but his condition later deteriorated. Police say he is now in a critical but stable condition.

Avon and Somerset Police are treating the incident as a hate crime and are searching for a group of three or four men believed to be responsible. The suspects reportedly fled on foot before leaving the area in a car.

A second man sustained minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment. His account helped officers identify a possible homophobic motive.

Neighbourhood chief inspector Keith Smith said police are “treating this incident seriously” and are working with local LGBTQ+ and equality groups as enquiries continue.