Appeal after Homophobic and Transphobic hate crime

Detectives investigating a hate crime in Liverpool city centre are issuing CCTV images of people they believe may have information that could assist their enquiries.

At around 5.30pm on Sunday, 16 May we received a report that a group of three youths were attacked on Roe Street, outside One Below.

The suspects, a larger group of male and female youths, were reported to have made homophobic and transphobic comments towards the victims.

It was further reported that two of the victims were punched, a plastic bottle was thrown at them, and one victim had their mobile phone stolen.

Two of the victims received minor injuries during the incident.

Following CCTV enquiries, a 15-year-old girl from Seaforth was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault and robbery. She was initially bailed and remains under investigation pending further enquiries.

CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible, and detectives are now issuing images to help identify people they would like to speak to about the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Speight said: “It is completely and utterly despicable to think that people could be the target of verbal and physical abuse simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Alongside our partners at LCR Pride and the Michael Causer Foundation, Merseyside Police stands against hate crime perpetrated against LGBT+ people, and we will not tolerate people being targeted in this way.

“We have stepped up patrols and introduced a mobile police station in Liverpool city centre to tackle such hate crimes and to listen to concerns, and will continue to do everything in our power to protect LGBT+ people from harm and ensure those who commit acts of hatred towards them are brought to justice.

“I am appealing to anyone featured in these images, or anyone who recognises them, to come forward. We believe they could hold information that could prove vital to our continuing enquiries into this incident.

“You can come forward directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers - however you choose to let us know, please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC with reference 21000314655 . You 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.