Police are investigating an alleged homophobic hate crime after a cast member at Chichester Festival Theatre was reportedly subjected to abuse before a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, forcing the cancellation of a show.
The theatre halted Tuesday evening's performance after what it described as an "appallingly abusive attack" on an actor. According to the theatre, the cast member was "aggressively hounded and physically pursued through the centre of Chichester" shortly before the scheduled performance.
Sussex Police confirmed it is investigating reports of homophobic abuse and is treating the incident as a hate crime.
In a statement, the force said officers were investigating reports that three young men on bicycles targeted a man walking in a car park behind East Street and Little London in Chichester at around 6pm on 13 October.
The actor was not physically injured, but the incident left the victim, fellow cast members and theatre staff shaken.
A spokesperson for Chichester Festival Theatre said: "The victim, company and staff were understandably extremely shaken by the incident and as a result, we took the decision to cancel the evening performance.
"We are profoundly sad and dismayed that such an atrocious thing has happened here in Chichester, and know that the vast majority of our fellow citizens will share our repugnance.
"We will do everything in our power to support the actor."
Performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream resumed on Thursday and are due to continue until Saturday.
The incident has prompted a response from Chichester Pride, which said it was "appalled" by the attack and expressed support for the victim and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
In a statement shared on social media, the organisation said: "Nobody should have to experience intimidation, harassment or violence because of who they are, or who others perceive them to be."
The group added that the incident, which took place during National Hate Crime Awareness Week, was "a sobering reminder of the prejudice and hostility that LGBTQ+ people continue to face, including within our own communities".
Chichester Pride also called on local residents to stand alongside those targeted by hate and challenge discrimination, adding: "There is no place for homophobia or any other form of discrimination or hate in Chichester."
Sussex Police is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward.
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