The survey, carried out by the National Advisory Group (NAG), was part of a study of lesbian and gay attitudes towards the police which is being unveiled at a conference in Oxford.

It is expected to show that 56% of the 2,600 gays and lesbians surveyed nationwide have been a victim of a homophobic incident.

However, 82% of these attacks were not reported to the police.

More than 70% of respondents said they were afraid to report homophobic incidents to police, with their greatest fears listed as not being taken seriously by officers and receiving a homophobic reaction.

The survey results will be unveiled at the "Challenging Homophobia - Changing Culture" conference in Oxford.

Police hope to develop awareness

More than 250 delegates are due to attend the conference, including serving police officers and representatives of lesbian and gay groups, local authorities and community groups.

The conference at the Oxford Town Hall will be opened by Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Charles Pollard, NAG chairman Ian Wilmott and Oxford City Council leader John Tanner.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul West said: "This conference provides a welcome opportunity for us and for our partner agencies to further develop our awareness of the particular concerns of lesbian and gay communities."

Ian Wilmott, chairman of the National Advisory Group, said: "The conference provides a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate that it is possible to effect change and make a difference.

"We will examine the very best national practice in these areas of partnership working whilst highlighting the need to challenge the worst."