Investigations continue after a man was assaulted in what Sussex Police say was a homophobic hate crime.
This was near Balcombe off the B21-10 High Street at Cowdray Forest at about 11pm on the 22nd of February.
The victim had stopped in a car and was attacked by a passenger from another vehicle.
The other vehicle was believed to have been a dark-coloured Volkswagen Polo.
The passenger stepped out and assaulted the man, who suffered injuries consistent with being burned.
The suspect was described as a stocky man, 5’11”, with strawberry blond hair, aged in his 20s or 30s.
Detectives are investigating, and there are increased patrols in the area being completed by both plain-clothes and uniformed officers to provide reassurance and to prevent any further offences.
The incident is being treated as a hate crime, aggravated by homophobia.
The driver of the suspect vehicle left the area by turning left back along the B211 towards the B2036.
District Commander Chief Inspector Steve Turner said: “This was a shocking incident that has left the victim shaken. He has received support from our officers.
“It is being treated as a hate crime, and we are asking people in the area to be vigilant.
“We are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to come forward and to report it to us.
“This includes anyone in the area at the time and anyone with relevant CCTV, dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage in the area.”
Information can be reported to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 49 of 24/02.
Witness appeal following Brighton assault
Sensory improvements to Cliffdale Primary Academy in Hilsea
Surfer, rescuers praised in Bracklesham Bay
Emsworth pub bids to get safety upgrades
Pandemic memorial in Crawley
Revitalising public spaces in West Sussex
Ukrainian writer travels to University of Chichester
Update: Fire in Oving
Consortium to tackle inactivity in Portsmouth
Rolls Royce in Chichester annual profit forecast nearly £3B
On Air