PARTYING gays were left shocked after a group of 15 youths hurled bottles and rocks at them as they left a Bournemouth nightclub.

The incident happened outside McDonalds in Christchurch Road, Boscombe, as they left the Opera House in the early hours of Monday morning from Bolt - a club night for the gay and lesbian community.

One man, a 22-year-old PHD student who did not want to be named, said: "Everyone knows Boscombe is a rough area but it is still a shame this incident happened. They are part of a growing homophobic group.

"Dorset Police support the gay community and they are made aware of the event. But they didn't even have a presence outside the Opera House.

"We thought the police would be there. We don't want armed guards and escorts but Boscombe isn't that nice an area so we expected some form of protection for us.

"That is probably the lowest point I have felt, it amazes that people would go so far to target us.

"Is it going to take someone to be killed for people to recognise this is a big issue? It certainly needs to be recognised."

Inspector Mark Kelly from Boscombe Police said that officers were called to an incident outside the Opera House at 3.15am and four officers attended the scene within two minutes.

He added: "There were no reports of anyone being injured.

"We responded very quickly and searched the area. Some males were spoken to but there was no evidence to suggest they were responsible and they were moved on. "Obviously such matters will be taken very seriously and if anybody has got any matters they would like to report they can contact Dorset Police and ask to speak to a LAGLO officer."

First publsihed: Sept 4