One of the organisers of Amsterdam's Gay Pride, Hugo Braakhuis, and a friend were assaulted in the capital on Wednesday night. De Telegraaf newspaper says the two men were kissing goodnight outside a bar when a group of youths started shouting abuse at them.

Mr Braakhuis' friend spoke to them about their behaviour and one of the youths hit him. When he fell to the ground, others in the group started kicking him. Mr Braakhuis was also beaten.

The police arrived quickly and arrested four of the youths. The paper says the authorities in the capital are treating the matter seriously and are appealing for witnesses.

Amsterdam's Gay Pride canal boat parade is taking place next Saturday. Mr Braakhuis has told De Telegraaf: "That will have to be a party, but gay emancipation here still has quite a way to go."