Police seek information after ‘abhorrent’ homophobic attack in Merseyside
"Hate will not be accepted in any form by Merseyside Police"
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Pexels
Police are appealing for information on two people following a homophobic assault in St. Helens in Merseyside in December.
Three people – two men and a woman – were attacked in the North Road area at around two o’clock in the morning on Sunday 19 December, according to police.
The two men are said to have been holding hands while waiting for a taxi when they were approached by a man and a woman who used homophobic slurs.
“Utterly abhorrent”
Merseyside Police say the suspects were challenged by a woman after which the two suspects kicked and punched the woman and one of the two men. All victims suffered minor injuries and were left shaken.
The male suspect has been described by police as being white, around 29-years-old, around 5ft 9, and of average build with short fair hair. He is said to have been wearing a navy blue t-shirt, dark trousers, and trainers at the time of the incident.
The female suspect is described as white, in her late 20s, around 5ft 3, of slim build with long blonde, highlighted hair. She is reported to have been wearing a long grey coat.
Both spoke with St Helens accents. Police add that CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing but are urging anyone with information to get in touch.
Detective Inspector Yoseph Al-Ramadhan says: “It is utterly abhorrent that these people were subject to verbal and physical abuse simply because of their sexual orientation and we simply will not tolerate people being targeted in this way.
“Hate will not be accepted in any form by Merseyside Police and we are working to find those responsible for this incident and bring them to justice.”
He’s also urged people to contact the police if they were in the area or have possible dashcam footage.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact Merseyside Police via Twitter on @MerPolCC or Facebook at Merseyside Police Contact Centre with reference 21000724582.
People can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
Stop Hate UK, a 24/7 helpline can also be used to report incidents and people can access dedicated support through the Victim Care Merseyside service delivered by Citizens Advice. People can email: lgbthatecrime@caliverpool.org.uk or call 0151 522 1400 ext. 5006.