A young man has spoken out after he was brutally assaulted in a homophobic attack on Halloween.

Robbie Kingsford, 21, from Leatherhead, was attacked by two men in Surbiton as he walked with a friend, and was left with a bloodied and swollen face.

The men, thought to have been dressed in pink fairy costumes, are said to have run away when passersby intervened.

A second victim, 18, sustained facial injuries in the attack in the early hours of Saturday, November 1.

Retail worker Mr Kingsford said today he had been overwhelmed by the generosity of commenters online and in his home town.

He added: "To have so many showing an interest and caring, it's been a bit hard to process.

"I have had people come forward offering me support and messaging me saying they admire my strength."

Mr Kingsford, who said he was bullied when he was younger, also gave encouragement to other gay young people who may have been suffered abuse.

He said: "If you keep your chin up, and keep going on and stay strong, there's always hope that they will stop and realise that what's been done is wrong.

"I have had all the insults and all the comments.

"Violence is never an option. Talk to your teachers or a parent and you will get results."

Mr Kingsford's father, Brian, 51, a caretaker for Kingston Council, praised police for their investigation.

He said: "I think their response was amazing; the general community as well for coming together and supporting us. It's a big thank-you to everyone.

"Emotions have run high throughout the whole family, especially Robert, because so many people have come forward with well-wishing.

"It's inspired us as well - it's inspired something good out of the bad.

"We've now got this page running."

In the wake of the attack Mr Kingsford set up a Facebook page, Red Alert, for members of the community to share information and appeals for help. It gained hundreds of members within a few days.

  • Two 26-year-old men have been arrested on suspicion of common assault and inflicting grievous bodily harm. They have been bailed to return to a west London police station in mid-December.