"Lord Street was still very busy that Wednesday night, with lots of people going in and out of Tesco, where this group were congregating.

"There would also have been many people walking to catch buses or trains after work.

"Someone will have seen the incident and someone will recognise the group caught on CCTV which we want to talk to in relation to it." and I would appeal for them to come forward with the information we need to investigate.

The attack followed the assault on gay Merseyside police officer James Parkes, 22, who was left fighting for his life after a beating outside Superstar Boudoir, in Stanley Street, last month.

The attacks have been condemned by Merseyside police and the gay community. Last Sunday, more than 1,000 people attended a march against homophobia.

Organiser Emma Stewart, said: "These attacks should not be tolerated and the march was a good way of showing Liverpool at large they will not be from now on."

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside police’s Sigma team on 0151- 777 4837 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.