Bristol police investigating after a string of ‘homophobic’ attacks
Four incidents, thought to be homophobic in nature, have taken place in Bristol’s Castle Park. (Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Four incidents, thought to be homophobic in nature, have taken place in Bristol’s Castle Park. (Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Police in Bristol are investigating following a string of what are believed to be homophobic attacks occurring in Castle Park.
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that the four incidents, which all took place at night and are being treated as linked, may be homophobic in nature. The assaults occurred between 30 November and 5 December.
On 30 November, at around 1.15am, two men approached a victim in his 40s, hitting him on the head and causing him to fall.
The victim, who described the perpetuator as “a man of Indian descent, with short hair and in his 30s”, was left with minor injuries to his wrist, back, shoulder and head, police confirmed.
On 3 December, two attacks occurred between 12.30am and 1.30am. The victims – a man in his 40s and a man in his 20s – didn’t require medical attention. The suspects were reportedly wearing balaclavas.
A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the latest incident, which took place on 5 December and saw a man in his 30s hit on the head. The victim went to hospital after being left with injuries on the level of actual bodily harm, as per the Bristol Post.
The arrested male was interviewed and released on police bail while enquires continue.
Police are urging public to remain vigilant in Castle Park during hours of darkness. It’s believed the suspects are two men, one of whom is thought to be white.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Detectives are investigating four assaults which have taken place in Castle Park within the past 10 days, and officers are concerned they may be homophobic in nature.
“If you witnessed the incident, have any dashcam, doorbell, mobile or CCTV footage or have any other information which could help us to further our enquiries, please call us on 101 and quote reference 5225345559.
“Alternatively, if you do not want to report directly to police, you can report a crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through trusted partners such as Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI).
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