A MAN has been abused and assaulted in a suspected homophobic incident. 

The 29-year-old victim was kicked, punched and verbally abused by two men near Barclays Bank in Cornmarket Street, Oxford, at 1.38am on Tuesday. 

He engaged in conversation with the pair, who pushed him before attacking him, using homophobic language.

The victim did not require hospital treatment but was left shaken.

Both suspects were described as white, with short hair, and both wore blazers or suit jackets with elbow patches.

The incident occurred days after the launch of Oxford Pride 2013 - a celebration of gay and diverse lifestyles.

No arrests have yet been made. Eyewitnesses are asked to call police on 101.