Sussex and the Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into an attack on LGBT Charlton Athletic fans who were lured to a hoax meeting before Saturday’s game away at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Supporters’ group Charlton Rainbows wrote on Twitter yesterday that “before yesterday’s match, we were told to meet a group equivalent to ours.

“Unfortunately, this was a hoax and some members were attacked.”

The group said that the attackers were neither Brighton nor Charlton fans, and that police were taking statements and reviewing CCTV footage.

“Our members (are) shaken, but OK,” they wrote.

People rallied to the Rainbows, with the group lauding the “fantastic” solidarity and support.