Man Assaulted In Homophobic Attack, Worcester

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Worcester in the early hours of this morning in what is believed to be a homophobic attack.

At around 2.30am, three friends were getting food from Shakeeys takeaway on Angel Street, when one of them - a man in his 20s - was confronted by two men who were eating outside.

They questioned him about his clothing and his sexuality before verbally abusing him and throwing chips at him.

He and his two friends walked away and as they walked down Broad Street the two men, who had been joined by others, ran up and attacked the man, repeatedly punching him to the head and face.

The victim's friends and two passers by intervened and the men made off on foot in the direction of Quay St and were seen running away over Worcester Bridge and down New Road.

The victim was left with cuts and bruises while his two friends also sustained minor injuries in their attempts to stop the assault.

The two men who led the attack were described as both being white and in their 20s. One had blond hair and was wearing a white t-shirt with a glittery appearance, while the other had short, dark hair and was wearing a navy or black t-shirt with red writing on it.

Inspector John McKay of Worcester Police Station said: "This was a violent and unprovoked attack and the victim was lucky to escape with minor injuries.

"However he has been left badly shaken by this assault, not least because he has told us it was because of his sexuality; this is supported by his friends as well as independent witnesses to the abuse he suffered.

"West Mercia Police does not tolerate hate crimes and we appeal for any members of the public who may have information about who the offenders were to contact us immediately.

"This sort of crime is rare in Worcester, but we have now had two similar assaults in the city within days of each other.

"At this stage we have nothing to connect the two incidents and we believe they are alcohol-related, but I would like to reassure members of our local gay communities that we are thoroughly investigating both and urge anyone who has any information to contact the police."

West Mercia Police can be contacted via the non-emergency police number 101, or information can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote the reference number 53S 29/05/12.

Issued: Tuesday 29 May 2012