Police in Liverpool, UK have released details of a horrific homophobic attack on a gay man in his 60s.
The incident took place on May 16, 2022, and police tweeted an image of the alleged attacker in the hope of finding witnesses or the identity of the man in question.
Given figures suggest that NINETY PERCENT of LGBTQ+ hate attacks with a victim don’t get reported, it’s vital to follow every lead possible.
APPEAL | Detectives have issued a CCTV image of a man who could have information that may assist with their enquiries following an homophobic assault at around 4am on Monday 16 May on Church Street, Liverpool City Centre.
👉 https://t.co/Qs7BVOF3Ao pic.twitter.com/X0LIfCb7hS— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) June 16, 2022
According to police, the victim was a man in his 60s and had been verbally harassed with homophobic slurs and then punched in the face multiple times by another man allegedly pictured in the tweet.
The targeted attack resulted in severe facial injuries and multiple bruises to the body of victim as well.
Detective Tony Roberts released a statement about the attack saying: “It’s extremely disappointing that during Pride Month, when we are celebrating tolerance in our communities, a man appears to have been targeted because of his sexuality.”
“To be attacked in such a manner is despicable, and we’re determined to find those responsible and remove them from our streets.”
Homophobic and LGBTQ+ hate crime attacks are up 200% from 2014 to 2021 in the UK meaning every lead is essential. Detective Roberts continued: “I am also appealing for people to come forward if you recognize the male featured in the image. We believe he could hold information that could be vital to our continuing inquiries.”
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook quoting reference 22000334754.
You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
As always, stay safe and be aware of your surroundings. This may be Pride Month but bigotry and hatred don’t take a month off.
Almost a year ago to the day, people took to the streets in Liverpool to protest the spate of attacks last year (see below).
