Police today released CCTV images of two people they want to speak to after a homophobic attack in which up to 20 people assaulted a man until he lost conciousness.
The attack happened after the victim, named locally as Jean Claude Manseau, was involved in a row with another man on a tram in Manchester in the early hours of Saturday November 1, police said.
He was then followed after getting off the tram at Manchester Piccadilly stop, before a group of between 10 and 20 people joined them and assaulted the victim, according to detectives.
Detective Constable Tim Greenwood, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "We are treating this as a homophobic assault as the men made homophobic comments to the victim as they attacked him.
"The attack was totally unprovoked and the message is clear - we simply will not tolerate it.
"The victim was badly beaten and had to have stitches to his face, as a result of this vicious attack. He was understandably very distressed by what happened and specially trained officers have supported him.
"We want to speak to the man and woman pictured in the CCTV images who may have vital information that would assist us with the investigation.
"I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information about what happened to contact police immediately."
Mr Manseau and a friend had reportedly been subjected to taunts after the pair sang songs on board the tram.
Following the assault, hundreds of people led by the Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus took part in a mass singalong on the trams as a protest.
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3229 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
