A LESBIAN couple say they have been hounded out of their house because of a homophobic hate campaign.

Kirsty Lord and her partner, Samantha Dewhurst, are to quit their Darlington home after Samantha was attacked in the street on Friday.

Ms Dewhurst, 24, was pushed to the ground and kicked by a man, as she walked home after dropping her five-year-old daughter off at school.

The attack is the latest in a series of abusive incidents since they moved into the property in May last year.

The couple, who have been together for more than four years, have suffered verbal abuse and their home has been vandalised.

It will be the fourth time Ms Lord and Ms Dewhurst have had to move because of harassment.

In March, after the side of their house was daubed in graffiti and paint was sprayed on the windows, the couple defiantly said they would not be hounded out.

But after Friday's assault, the couple have been forced to move to ensure their children's safety.

Ms Lord, 30, said: "We have to move because of the kids' sake. Their safety comes first.

"Samantha was really upset after it happened. We have had to move three times because of harassment. Unfortunately, Samantha did not see the attacker's face. She could only make out what he was wearing.

"It is not very good that this happens in this day and age."

The couple also suffered abuse at their previous address in Edgemoor Road, Firthmoor, Darlington.

Following Friday's attack the council has agreed to move the family on Thursday to another address in the Darlington area.

Ms Lord, who offers advice to other North-East lesbians and gays who suffer abuse, hopes that the family will not be targeted again.

She said: " My parents live in the same street and I know a lot of the neighbours, so I am hoping that we will be all right there."

Darlington police confirmed they are investigating the attack.