An 18-year old man has been arrested but released as enquiries continue.

In July, Holiday Inn receptionist Ryan Williams was viciously attacked, outside a McDonald’s in Preston, and left with facial injuries so severe he had to be taken to hospital.

Shortly after the attack, Ryan uploaded a shocking photo of his injuries alongside the caption: “I never thought in my life that I would get beaten up for being GAY! Wtf has this world actually come too, you’re all vile and disgusting!

“I want people to understand that being gay ISNT a choice and I can’t help it, I’m sorry that you can’t deal with it but hey ho no need to knock someone out because of it! I seriously can not believe that a homophonic attack happens!

“Stand strong and love yourself, this isn’t gonna stop me from being fabulous! BEING GAY IS OK!”

In an appeal for information, Ryan appeared on Crimewatch Roadshow. During his appearance, he said: “The doctor said to me, if the blow was two inches higher, it could have killed me. I didn’t feel me afterwards, and I didn’t like it.

“I’ve relived every single moment. It’s made me lose faith in so much, it’s made me question my sexuality. It’s made me question whether I want to even be here. It’s made me question everything.”

The Chorley Guardian reports that following the broadcast, the police received numerous calls from the public in regard to the attack. The information has led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man for aggravated actual bodily harm and assault. The man has been released under investigation.

PC Mike Cobley, from Preston Police, said: “We would like to thank everyone who called in following the programme airing last week. We have made an arrest, though our enquiries are continuing.

“We would ask anybody with further information about the incident to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information on the attack should contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log 311 of July 13.