By MATT KIELTYKA, 24 HOURS

Vancouver police are investigating three youths in connection with a potential hate crime.

Police say an "openly gay" man was walking home in the 1600 block of Davie Street around 1 a.m. on May 2 when he was attacked by teens.

"They were throwing eggs at him and then threw beer bottles," Const. Tim Fanning told media yesterday. "He was very scared by their behaviour. He was very traumatized by the event."

Fanning said the offence itself wouldn't normally cause police to go public, but the circumstances demand a more concerted effort.