POLICE are appealing for the public’s help after a victim of a homophobic hate crime was punched in the face in a Somerset town.

Avon and Somerset Police issued a CCTV image to identify a person in connection with the incident that took place on Fore Street in Wellington.

The force said an unknown suspect in his late 20s made homophobic comments towards the victim, also in their 20s, before punching them in the face.

The victim sought medical attention for bruising and swelling to their face and they are now recovering at home, police also said.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “He is white, approximately 6ft 1ins tall, in his late 20s, with short, dark hair and stubble.

“The incident happened at around 1.10am in the beer garden of a pub in Fore Street, Wellington.

“If you have any information or recognise the person pictured, please call 101 and quote reference 5224175238.

“If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224175238, or complete our online appeals form.”