Police release CCTV image after 18-year-old hospitalised in suspected homophobic attack in Chichester

Sussex Police are appealing for information after an 18-year-old man was pushed, headbutted and assaulted outside a Chichester nightclub in an incident being treated as a homophobic hate crime.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after an 18-year-old was hospitalised following a suspected homophobic attack in Chichester.

The victim was in South Street, outside Rapscallions Club, between 3am and 4am on 1 October following a night out when the incident took place.

Sussex Police said the teenager was with a friend when they were approached by two men, including a suspect who behaved aggressively.

The victim was pushed, headbutted and further assaulted, leaving him with injuries that required hospital treatment.

Police are treating the incident as a homophobic hate crime and have now released an image of a man they wish to speak to as part of their investigation.

The suspect was described as being of a large build, with dark brown hair and dark clothing. The victim also reported that he may have said he was from North Wales.

District Commander Chief Inspector Kay Hutchings said: “This was an unprovoked assault in Chichester city centre which left the victim shaken and requiring hospital treatment.

“We take reports of hate crime seriously. Hate has no place in our communities. We understand that reporting it can sometimes be difficult, but we continue to encourage anyone impacted by hate crimes to report them to Sussex Police.

“We are continuing to work with partner agencies in Chichester to further support victims of crime.”

Police are asking anyone who recognises the man pictured, or who has information about the assault, to contact Sussex Police quoting serial 1307 of 01/10.