THE brother of a murdered gay nurse fears he may have been the victim of a homophobic attack.

Simon Pearse, 45, died nearly two weeks after suffering a fractured skull when he was assaulted in Rushey Green, Catford.

Now his brother has paid tribute to a "funny, caring person" and appealed for information in finding his killers.

He also says the borough's gay community is concerned it could be targeted in future attacks.

Mr Pearse, of Goodrich Road, Forest Hill, was attacked outside the Broadway Theatre, at around 3.20am, on July 30.

He was taken to Lewisham Hospital, where he died on August 12.

Younger brother Nicol Pearse, who lives in his family's native Scotland, says he is still in shock.

He said: "Simon was always caring for people. He was funny and always up for a laugh, just a generally good guy.

"We will all really miss him. He was my baby brother."

Mr Pearse, who worked as a mental health nurse, regularly attended nightclubs in Vauxhall and Mile End.

He was in Vauxhall hours before his death, before catching the N36 night bus to Rushey Green.

His brother, 52, said: "There has been a lot of interest in what happened from the local gay community.

"They are concerned the same thing could happen to other people."

He added: "Somehow we have got to get some sort of closure to this, otherwise it will play on our family's minds for the rest of our lives.

"I would appeal for anyone who knows anything to come forward."

Lewisham's gay population is now trying to come to terms with news of the murder.

Steve Thompson, owner of Stonewalls gay bar, Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, says he has worked closely with the Met Police to ensure "tolerance is encouraged".

He said: "I am concerned if there is anything or anyone out there which would cause the gay community to be targeted."

But Mr Thompson added: "I still feel Lewisham is one of the safest boroughs in London for the lesbian and gay community."

Police say they were initially unsure what happened to Mr Pearse but have now opened a murder inquiry after receiving medical advice.

Anyone with information on the attack should call 020 8721 4054 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.