A MAN was dragged to the floor and punched several times in the face in 'vile' nightclub attack.

The 18-year-old had spoken to a woman before she introduced him to his attacker at the Vogue nightclub in Hammerton Street, Burnley, police said.

The attacker made a homophobic comment and told the victim to leave, who refused.

Police said the man dragged the victim to the floor and punched him several times to the face, causing severe bruising and swelling to both eyes.

The attack in the early hours of Saturday, September 2 is being investigated as a hate crime.

Officers urged anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward.

The attacker was described as an Asian, in his mid-thirties, around 5ft 11ins tall, with thick set with dark short back and sides style hair and a stubbly beard.

PC Carley Gaynor said: "This was a horrendous assault on a man simply enjoying himself on a night out.

"To not only be verbally but also physically attacked because of someone's perception of your sexuality is utterly despicable and there is no place for this kind of vile behaviour in Lancashire.

"I would urge anyone with information to speak to the police.

"If you think that you were the woman described, please get in contact with us as you may have vital information that could assist with our investigation."

Anyone with information can call 101.