Police appeal for witnesses after 15-strong mob attack pair - PinkPaper.com
source: http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/3353/5/07/2010/police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-15-stro...
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Police in Bradford are appealing for witnesses after a mob of fifteen men and women attacked two gay men in the West Yorkshire city.
The gang attacked the two men, aged 21 and 37, with make-shift weapons raided from a nearby skip on Heap Lane, Barkerend, as the two men headed to the train station on their way home to Keighley.
After visiting a friend in Undercliffe, the pair were first verbally abused upon leaving a local shop, then chased and assaulted by the mob. The two victims were treated for numerous head wounds upon arrival at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
“This was an unprovoked attack on two gay men walking towards the city centre,” said Det Inspector Ian Bryar of Bradford South Police.
“Because of the language used by the group towards the victims I believe that this attack was based on the men’s sexuality and is therefore being treated as a homophobic hate crime.
“West Yorkshire Police takes this incident very seriously and detectives are investigating this offence now. We will not tolerate people being targeted or singled out due to their sexuality.
“The victims are both very shocked and upset not just by their physical injuries, but emotionally too. To be targeted in this way has left them confused and disappointed.”
Police are urging anyone who might have information to come forward.
The gang attacked the two men, aged 21 and 37, with make-shift weapons raided from a nearby skip on Heap Lane, Barkerend, as the two men headed to the train station on their way home to Keighley.
After visiting a friend in Undercliffe, the pair were first verbally abused upon leaving a local shop, then chased and assaulted by the mob. The two victims were treated for numerous head wounds upon arrival at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
“This was an unprovoked attack on two gay men walking towards the city centre,” said Det Inspector Ian Bryar of Bradford South Police.
“Because of the language used by the group towards the victims I believe that this attack was based on the men’s sexuality and is therefore being treated as a homophobic hate crime.
“West Yorkshire Police takes this incident very seriously and detectives are investigating this offence now. We will not tolerate people being targeted or singled out due to their sexuality.
“The victims are both very shocked and upset not just by their physical injuries, but emotionally too. To be targeted in this way has left them confused and disappointed.”
Police are urging anyone who might have information to come forward.
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- groups:
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- tags:
- GLBT, LGBT, Attack, Hate Crimes
