Hate crime probe launched after man left critically injured in suspected homophobic attack in Bristol

Police have launched a hate crime investigation after a man was left critically injured in a suspected homophobic attack in Bristol city centre.

Emergency services were called to St Nicholas Street in the early hours of Friday, 24 April after a man in his 30s was found lying unconscious with significant facial injuries. He was taken to hospital, where his condition has since deteriorated and is now described as critical but stable, Avon and Somerset Police said .

A second man also sustained injuries during the same incident, though these were described as minor and did not require hospital treatment. Police said information provided by the second victim has led them to investigate the possibility that the attack was motivated by homophobia, and the incident has now been formally recorded as a hate crime .

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said officers were “concerned that the incident may include a homophobic hate crime element” and confirmed that detectives were working to establish the full circumstances of what happened .

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Keith Smith said local LGBTQ+ leaders and the charity Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI) had been briefed because of the seriousness of the case.

“We are treating this incident seriously,” he said. “Detectives are seeking to gain a full understanding of what happened, which is why we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.” 

Police believe the assaults were carried out by a group of three or four men, who are thought to have fled on foot before driving away in a car. One of the suspected attackers is believed to have been wearing a blue jacket, while two others are described as being dressed mainly in black or grey.

CCTV enquiries are ongoing as officers seek to identify those involved. Police said there is currently no evidence to suggest a wider risk to the public, but stressed that they are keen to identify the suspects as soon as possible.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the area at the time, or has relevant information or footage is urged to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 5226111583. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers.