GAYS and lesbians on Teesside are being urged to speak out about homophobic attacks because police fear most are not being reported.

Only 19 homophobic incidents were reported to Cleveland Police last year, but it is believed the total is higher.

Now, the force has produced a leaflet, Positive Action Ag-ainst Hate Crime, to encourage victims to approach police and report offences.

Inspector Kath Barbour, of Cleveland Police's community safety department, said victims often felt reluctant to talk to police about homophobic assaults and other offences because they would have to reveal their sexuality.

"Only 19 incidents were reported last year, but anecdotal information and reports from support groups suggest there were more," she said.

"Often, people are not comfortable with reporting incidents which identify their sexuality. We are aware of this problem and have specially trained officers to deal with such issues."

The leaflet will be handed out to support groups, and another document, offering personal safety advice for people who may be vulnerable to attack, is also being drawn up.

Debbie Fanning, Langbaurgh police's community safety officer, admitted that police needed to tackle the problem of "cottaging" - sex acts in public places by men.

"There needs to be a balanced approach," she said, adding that recent reports of indecency in the Zetland Park toilets in Middlesbrough and in the sand dunes in Redcar had been tackled by issuing a direct warning through support groups that such acts would not be tolerated. The problems then subsided.

Ms Fanning also said a recent meeting to try to forge links between the police and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community had been well attended.

Ken Brookfield, of Yorkshire and Cleveland Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, agreed that the actual number of attacks was far higher than that quoted by police.

"You get 'queer-bashing' gangs which mug and rob guys coming out of gay pubs and clubs," he said.

Mr Brookfield said that police needed to be sympathetic to victims who might not be "out" in their everyday lives.

"Going to the police can invite a whole load of publicity and if you are a young chap of 21 and your parents don't know you are gay then you won't want to do that," he said.