We’re appealing for information, pictures or video following an attack on a man in Smethwick at around 8.30pm on 14 June.

We have already charged a boy aged 17 with attempted murder, and arrested a second boy of the same age for the same offence.

In light of new information received, this is now being treated as a hate crime due to a homophobic comment made during the attack.

There is no evidence that the attack was motivated by race or religion.

The victim, in his 50s, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Ch Supt Kim Madill, of Sandwell Police, said: “I know the real concern and anger that this attack has caused in the area, and I’ve been in touch with representatives from the community throughout the week to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to establish what happened and who was responsible.”

You can submit any photos, video or other information that you think may be relevant to the investigation directly to officers on this page.

Alternatively, anyone who may have been in the Tollhouse Way or St Pauls area at the time can call 101 quoting incident number 3929 of 14 June. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.