Investigation after 'abhorrent' homophobic attack in Liverpool

Detectives are investigating following a hate crime assault in Liverpool City Centre in the early hours of Friday 28 May.

At around 3.15am, reports were received of two men being assaulted near to Waterstones, College Lane, Liverpool One. The suspects are described as three men and two women in their late 20s, some of whom shouted homophobic abuse at the men. One of the victims sustained a cut mouth, and the second was punched in the face, before the suspects made off.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

Detective Inspector Nick Suffield said: "We're in the early stages of this investigation but to be assaulted and targeted in such a way is abhorrent and we'll be looking to support both victims as our enquiries continue.

"Due to the disgusting verbal abuse the victims were subjected to, we’re treating this as a hate crime and are determined to find those responsible and remove them from the streets. If you were in the area and saw heard or captured anything please come forward and we will take action."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the area at the time, or has any information is urged to contact police via 101, or their social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter with reference 136 of 28 May.