The chair of the Blackburn Pride Committee hopes the perpetrators of a ‘homophobic attack’ in the town earlier this week “feel the full force of the law if convicted.”

Jordan Brook and his partner Daniel Timothy were violently assaulted outside Blackburn train station in the early hours of Tuesday morning (June 18) after returning from a night out in Manchester.

The pair suffered severe injuries, with Jordan being repeatedly kicked in the head resulting in a suspected broken nose and broken cheekbone, while Daniel suffered a split above his eye.

READ MORE: Eight arrested after two men assaulted at station

Cllr Jim Shorrock (Labour, Blackburn South East) and chair of Blackburn Pride Committee, said in a statement there is still a lot to do in reducing homophobic attacks and hate crime.

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: “It is with some sadness that I read of the assault outside Blackburn railway station earlier this week, and within days of hosting a very successful and peaceful Blackburn Pride.

“The thoughts of the Pride Committee are with Jordan and Daniel and wish them a full and speedy recovery.

“That this has occurred on our home ground is of some concern and we hope that those who allegedly committed this crime feel the full force of the law if convicted.

“There is clearly still much to do in reducing homophobic attacks and hate crime. In my opening comments at the start of Blackburn Pride, I called for a few moments of silent reflection for all those victims of these sorts of crimes, and Town Hall Square fell silent out of respect.

“Tolerance and mutual respect is of great importance across all sections and communities of our society, and that includes LGBTQ+ citizens.”

Eight people were arrested at the scene outside Blackburn train station shortly after the attack at 12.05am on Tuesday.

Police confirmed yesterday (Wednesday, June 19) they have all been bailed pending further enquiries.

Jordan, who had been to Manchester with his partner and his mother, spoke to the Lancashire Telegraph about the assault, which he said left him fearing for his life.

He said: “We can only remember the main instigator because it was so much so fast.

“I was fearing for my life at one point because they were all jumping on my head and kicking me as hard as they could.

“It was a homophobic attack and we’ve both never experienced that.

READ MORE: Group bailed pending further enquiries after assault

“We feel really uncomfortable in our hometown and we’ve lived here our whole lives.”

A police spokesperson said of the assault: “We were called at about 12.05am on June 18 to a report of an assault in Railway Road, Blackburn.

“Two men were assaulted by a group of males outside the railway station. Thankfully their injuries are not life-threatening.

“Eight people aged between 17 and 23 from Blackburn have been arrested on suspicion of assault and are in custody.

“Enquiries are ongoing into the incident which is being treated as a homophobic assault.

“Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 0010 of June 18.

“You can also call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”