A MAN had a tooth knocked out when he was punched and kicked during what is believed to be a homophobic hate crime.

The 36-year-old was attacked as he was walking along the footpath on the opposite road to the cemetery near to the junction of Victoria Avenue, Redcar, at about 3.20am on Friday, October 2.

The victim heard a male, who he believed was in a car, shouting threatening and homophobic comments towards him, although, it is unclear as the victim did not look up and carried on walking.

A few seconds later, the victim was punched in the head from behind, causing him to fall to the ground where he was then punched and kicked in the head and upper body.

As a result of the attack the victim sustained swelling and grazing around his face and nose and he lost a tooth. He received treatment at the Redcar Primary Care Hospital.

Investigating officer, PC Nicholas Chew, said: “Incidents such as these are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Attacking someone else is absolutely unacceptable, but to attack someone simply due to their sexuality is abhorrent. I’d encourage anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone who may know the identity of the person responsible to please contact police.”

Cleveland Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact PC Nicholas Chew on the non-emergency 101 number, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111 or crimestoppers-uk.org