Fridae

Three men and two women were attacked by youths last week as they were leaving where opening night party of Melbourne's Gay and Lesbian Midsumma Festival was held.

The four suffered cuts and bruises while one man was attacked by a bottle.

In another incident a man was mugged.

Police believe the attacks were attempted robberies and not hate crimes.

Melbourne's 14th annual lesbian, gay and transgender festival runs until February 3, 2002. An expected 50,000 people, including 120 organisations will march from St. Kilda to Catani Gardens to express their pride and solidarity on Jan 20.