Italian police investigate vicious anti-gay attempted murder

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An attempted murder investigation has been launched after two men perceived as a gay couple were viciously attacked on a bus.

The victim, a 40-year-old man and his friend were attacked in July whilst riding a bus in Genoa.

They were attacked by a woman and her friends, and were subjected to a torrent of homophobic abuse, reports the Local.

Despite having a girlfriend, the man was accused of “looking at” the boyfriend of his attacker.

According to La Stampa, the attacker came forward and said: “Are you looking at my boyfriend?” before unleashing a number of anti-gay slurs.

The woman and five others stamped on the men’s hands, faces and backs, and attacked them with chains.

Despite being able to free themselves and escaping, to catch a taxi home, the 40-year-old was left with a cerebral haemorrhage.

After being placed in a coma to save his life, the man has re-emerged, but is unable to speak or eat.

Police have charged the bus driver with aiding and abetting the thugs, given his failure to intervene.

The attempted murder investigation is ongoing.