A TEENAGE boy was punched in the face during a homophobic attack in Southampton.
The 16-year-old had been sat with friends in Houndwell Park in the city centre when three boys and two girls approached the circle.
After seeing that the teenager was holding hands with another boy, the youths asked him whether he was gay.
When he replied that he was, he was punched in the face by one of the youths.
The other teenage boy had his mobile phone stolen by the attackers, who then walked off in different directions.
Police are now appealing to anybody who was in the parks at the time who may have seen the attack or have any information on the incident to contact PC Kerry Dalley at Southampton Central Police Station on 0845 045 45 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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