Man critical after suspected homophobic attack

A man is in a critical condition after a suspected homophobic hate crime.

The man in his 30s was found unconscious with serious facial injuries in St Nicholas Street in Bristol in the early hours of 24 April, according to Avon and Somerset Police.

He was taken to hospital but has since deteriorated to a critical but stable condition. A second man suffered minor injuries in the same incident.

The force said it believed the attack was carried out by three or four men who were thought to have made off on foot initially before getting into a car.

The incident happened at about 03:15 BST and police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack and anyone who witnessed anything which could help enquiries to come forward.

One of the attackers was believed to have been wearing a blue jacket while two others were dressed predominantly in black or grey.

A police spokesperson said information the second victim had since provided meant the possibility of a homophobic motivation for the attack was being investigated.

Neighbourhood Ch Insp Keith Smith said police had briefed local LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, queer+) leaders and Sari (Stand Against Racism & Inequality) after the incident.

He said officers wanted to identify the offenders as soon as possible and added there was no evidence to suggest a wider risk to the public.

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