In relation to the recent attacks in Liverpool City Centre, Merseyside Police and LCR Pride Foundation have issued a joint statement.
Detective Chief Inspector Allison Woods said:
“We have a message for anyone who thinks intimidating another person or causing them physical harm based on their sexual orientation or gender identity is acceptable: it is not.
“For the vast majority of people across Merseyside, it is baffling that anyone could behave in such a way. We share their sadness and frustration. Everyone should be free to go out and enjoy themselves safely in Liverpool City Centre and beyond, and we will do all we can to keep our streets free from violence and abuse.
“Police will continue high visibility patrols across the city centre to engage with businesses and members of the public to reassure, listen to concerns and take action where we witness any criminality.
“As we have seen in the last 24 hours – officers and detectives will do everything in their power to track down anyone suspected of committing these offences, and we won’t hesitate to put them behind bars.
“The two men arrested yesterday (Saturday 10 July) for an appalling hate crime on Bold Street in Liverpool, which left a young man with significant facial injuries, remain in custody for questioning. We believe that the attack was not pre-meditated or linked to other incidents in the city.
“Merseyside Police will continue working alongside our partners to stand united against hate crime in all its forms. If you have any information about what happened this weekend or other incidents, please do get in touch with us as soon as possible.”
LCR Pride Foundation said:
“The assault on Saturday was horrific, and like other recent hate crime incidents in Liverpool, this behaviour has no place on our streets or online.
“We’re committed to working with Merseyside Police to raise awareness, challenge hate crime and importantly, maintain a constructive dialogue with the Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ Community.”
The Michael Causer Foundation added:
“It is almost 13 years since we lost Michael Causer – a life cut short by abhorrent homophobia.
“While our city region has always been welcoming and supportive of our truly diverse culture, recent events show we cannot be complacent in tackling homophobic attacks on our community.
“We welcome the support and vigilance of our friends in Merseyside Police in addressing this most recent spate of hate crime on our city streets.”
If you have witnessed a hate crime, or have any information, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101.
If, for any reason, you do not wish to the report to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK to run a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org. You can also download the Stop Hate UK reporting app on Google Play or the Apple App Store
Across Merseyside, there are also a number of third party reporting centres including fire stations, citizens advice bureaus and hospitals.
Dedicated support for victims of hate crime is also available through the Victim Care Merseyside service delivered by Citizens Advice. They can be contacted at lgbthatecrime@caliverpool.org.uk or by calling 0151 522 1400 ext. 5006.
