A man from Hemel Hempstead, in Hertfordshire was left in intensive care after a vicious homophobic attack by five men on Saturday.
The incident is believed to have taken place on open ground near the Scratchwood Service station on the M1. The area is well known as a cruising ground.
The 58 year old man, was repeatedly battered around the head, possibly with large sticks.
The man, who has not been named was able to drive himself to Hemel Hempstead and check himself into the hospital by around 8.30pm that night.
He remains in a critical but stable condition.
