Three men were the victims of homophobic hate crime in Oxford.

At 3.43am on Sunday, the victims – three men in their 20s – were walking in George Street when they were victims of verbal homophobic abuse from a group of men.

That escalated into the suspects whipping and hitting the victims with belts.

One victim required hospital treatment after receiving a laceration to his forehead. He has since been discharged.

The two other victims received injuries to their head, stomach and arms but did not require hospital treatment.

An 18-year-old man from Kidlington was arrested on suspicion of assault and affray and released on bail.

Investigating officer PC Eleanor Middlemass said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the men on George Street, or anyone with footage, whether that be from CCTV, dashcam or doorbell camera to contact the force.

“The easiest way is via our website or by calling 101."