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'Help us to catch those responsible for this despicable crime', police said
Liverpool
Six youths arrested following homophobic attack in Liverpool
Six youths, aged between 14 and 17, have now been arrested following Sunday evening's attack on a gay man in Liverpool. James Parkes, 22, suffered life-threatening head injuries in what police described as a homophobic attack by up to 13 people.
Trainee policeman Parkes was out with friends in Stanley Street, in Liverpool's gay district, when the gang reportedly began shouting homophobic abuse at them before he was attacked at around 10pm.
Parkes was taken to hospital with serious head injuries, including multiple fractures to his skull, a fractured cheek bone and a fractured eye socket.
Yesterday, three youths, two aged 15 and another aged 14 were arrested in connection with the incident. Today, four youths have been released on bail, while another two, both aged 15, were detained.
DCI Tim Keelan said: "I would appeal to anyone who may have information which could help us to catch those responsible for this despicable crime to come forward. Intensive inquires are taking place and we are currently examining CCTV footage from around the time of the incident to identify those responsible.
"We are treating the assault as a homophobic hate crime and this incident shows there are still some people who have not learnt that crimes of this type are completely unacceptable. People who commit hate crimes can expect the full attention of the police and we will not rest until the offenders are brought to justice. The offenders will learn their lesson the hard way."
Witnesses to the attack can call St Anne's Street CID on 0151 777 4064 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
