A man battered by up to 20 thugs in a homophobic attack has been named as James Parkes - a trainee policeman.
Pc Parkes was off-duty when he was attacked by the gang outside Superstar Boudoir in Stanley Street, Liverpool city centre, shortly before 10pm on Sunday.
He was rushed to hospital where he is fighting for his life after sustaining multiple skull fractures and fractures of his eye-socket and cheek bone.
The victim was a Police Community Support Officer on Merseyside for a couple of years before joining the Merseyside force in May.
The officer was enjoying a night out with friends when he was set upon by the mob - described as being between 15 and 18 years old.
Detective Chief Inspector Tim Keelan, said: "I would appeal to anyone who may have information which could help us to catch those responsible for this despicable crime to come forward.
"Intensive inquires are taking place and we are currently examining CCTV footage from around the time of the incident to identify those responsible.
"We are treating the assault as a homophobic hate crime and this incident shows there are still some people who have not learnt that crimes of this type are completely unacceptable.
"People who commit hate crimes can expect the full attention of the police and we will not rest until the offenders are brought to justice. The offenders will learn their lesson the hard way."
Four boys from from Kirkdale, two aged 15, one aged 14 and a 17-year-old, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and are being questioned by detectives.
