Protests in Liverpool after homophobic attacks

Members of Liverpool's LGBTQ+ community will hold a peaceful protest later after a series of homophobic attacks in the city.

Over the past month at least four people have spoken out on social media after suffering suspected hate crimes here.

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

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 the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.

• Homophobic