West Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a gay man was hospitalised after a “cowardly” homophobic attack in West Yorkshire. The incident took place outside the Old Bridge Pub on Norridge Bottom, Holmfirth on Saturday, April 12 at about 9pm after the victim, a man in his mid 20s, was c
West Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a gay man was hospitalised after a “cowardly” homophobic attack in West Yorkshire.
The incident took place outside the Old Bridge Pub on Norridge Bottom, Holmfirth on Saturday, April 12 at about 9pm after the victim, a man in his mid 20s, was confronted by a group of more than five males while leaving the pub.
He was then punched and kicked by the males, sustaining a number of facial injuries which required hospital treatment.
The males were described as being between 18 to 20-years of age and had previously made homophobic comments to the victim and his partner.
Sgt Toni Ramsden of the Kirklees Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “A number of enquiries are continuing into this thuggish and cowardly attack in which a group of males targeted the victim and seriously assaulted him.
“Due to homophobic comments made by the suspects to the victim and his partner earlier in the evening, we have recorded a hate crime in relation to the assault.
“The behaviour demonstrated in this assault is absolutely not tolerated in our communities and I would ask anyone who saw or has video footage of what took place to contact us.
“Anyone who can assist enquiries is asked to contact the Kirklees Rural NPT on 101 referencing crime number 13250206403.
“Information can be given online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”
