Hundreds march for LGBTQ+ rights in Liverpool after attacks

Thousands of people have marched through Liverpool city centre in solidarity with the city's LGBTQ+ community.

The protest was arranged after a number of attacks in recent weeks which have left three men battered and bruised.

Last week 19 year old student Josh Ormrod made posted shocking images on social media showing injuries he sustained when he was attacked in Concert Square.

"I've no idea who this man was or if he knew me."

"This city is supposed to be safe but our home is becoming more frightening by the day."

"In the space of just one week, both myself and a close friend have suffered unprovoked hate crimes from strangers in Liverpool."

That close friend was Curtis Stewart (19) who posted his story the day after Josh.

Last Monday he was also assaulted, this time on Lord Nelson Street in the early hours of the morning.

In an Instagram post Curtis said he also believed the attack could have been due to his sexuality.

"This assault could be the result of a hate crime and could have happened to anyone."

"I'm, urging yous to please spread awareness about this to help others and please do not walk alone by yourself especially at night."

Merseyside police are also investigating after an incident earlier this month where a group of friends were threatened at knife point and hurled homophobic abuse.

Organisers of the march say it's left them feeling unsafe in their own city.

Mayor Joanne Anderson is also in attendance, she said:

“I have spent my whole adult life standing up to hate. Having worked in The Crown Prosecution Service for ten years fighting hate crime, I am fully aware of how these horrific crimes impact on people and communities.

“I’m appalled by the recent spate of homophobic attacks and I want the victims to know that they have our wholehearted support. Not just that of the city council, but also local businesses, community organisations, taxi drivers and many more – we are all here for you."

This week Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell is launching a public consultation to make the region's streets safer.

She's released a joint statement with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and LCR Pride :

“The Liverpool City Region’s diversity is one of our great strengths; a key part of what makes us such a welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive part of the world.

“The recent spate of homophobic attacks in Liverpool city centre fly in the face of those values and have understandably sent shockwaves throughout the region.

“That these attacks should occur during Pride Month, a time meant to celebrate our LGBT+ community is especially upsetting and only serves to underline why Pride events are still needed. Pride is a protest and there is still much to protest against.

“We are committed to making sure that everybody feels safe walking the streets of our region and comfortable being themselves.

“Everybody is welcome here. Violence, bigotry, and hatred are not.”

Hear all the latest news from across Merseyside on the hour, every hour, on 96.7FM, DAB, at radiocity.co.uk, and on the Radio City app.

• liverpool