Schoolboy badly beaten up after confronting homophobic bullies

'This was a cowardly attack on a young man,' says chief inspector Phil Spurgeon.

A 15-year-old schoolboy was subjected to «vile, homophobic abuse», before he was assaulted in broad daylight by a group of teenagers in Bury.

The boy challenged his abusers, before they violently attacked him on Monday afternoon, Greater Manchester Police said.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8172 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.