A show of support has been given to Carlisle's Collabro star Matt Pagan.

The 24-year-old has revealed that he was in the face while enjoying a night out with friends in his home city.

The incident happened while the singer, who was part of the group that won Britain's Got Talent in 2014, was on Botchergate.

He revealed to fans that he had been assaulted through a post on Twitter.

But fans have hit out at the group that confronted Matt and his group of friends.

More than 50 people have left messages of support for Matt, who along with other members of Collabro, will perform at Cumbria Pride this weekend.

Posting on the News & Star's Facebook page, Judith Baskerville said: "So sorry to hear of this.

"I hope the police, with Matt's help, can catch the people who think this kind of behaviour is acceptable."

Sue Barnes added: "Jealous of his success. You don't deserve to be treated like this especially not in your home city."

Meanwhile Allyson Carrigan said that Matt has the support of people across the city. She wrote: "Absolutely disgusting. Good people of Carlisle are with you always."

But others have expressed concern about the number of assaults occurring in Carlisle, especially in areas popular for nights out.

Gina Docherty wrote: "Disgraceful, unfortunately this is becoming all too common! Hope you're okay, Matt."

Meanwhile Margaret Underwood asked: "What is this city coming to?"

Steph Thomson added: "Could not meet a nicer lad, either. Matt has a kind heart to the world around him."

Matt has admitted that he had enjoyed several drinks, but said that the attack was unprovoked. He said that the group had been walking along Botchergate near the Shanghai Shanhai restaurant when a bottle was thrown by a group of males.

One of his friends tried to calm the situation down and Matt stepped in, asking them to leave.

It was then that he was hit - and his attacker fled the scene.

However when Matt and his friends approached the station, he was told by a member of the public that a group of 10 were looking for him. As a result he hid behind a planted area near the taxi rank.

However Matt said that the attack has not deterred him from performing in Carlisle with other members of Collabro this weekend.

He said: "We are doing Pride on Saturday. Knowing that there was a group of about 10 of them coming back to me was a bit unsettling.

"There's just no need for something like that. To punch someone in the face like that, for no reason.

"But it's in the hands of the police and hopefully they will find out who it was."