Man left unconscious after ‘homophobic’ attack in Cheltenham
Police are appealing for information after the victim was found with a head wound in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Pexels
A man was found unconscious over the weekend after a suspected homophobic attack in Cheltenham and police are appealing for witnesses.
Police received reports that a man had been found unconscious outside the retailer Hobbs on the Promenade in the city at around 5:30am on Sunday morning (6 February).
The man, who is in his late thirties was found with a head wound, which police suspect was the result of an assault. The man is said to be recovering at home after receiving treatment at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Gloucestershire Constabulary reports that three men made homophobic towards the victim at a nearby bar, Under The Prom. The victim is thought to have left the bar between 4.30 am and 5 am and was followed by the men.
Police have confirmed that the incident is being treated as a hate crime and anyone who was around Hobbs or Under The Prom is being urged to contact police. Nearby CCTV footage is being reviewed and enquiries are ongoing.
People can submit information online here and quoting incident 82 of 6 February. People can also call police on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Homophobic hate crimes have doubled in the last six years, according to the latest Home Office figures, with more than 17,000 incidents recorded between 2020 and 2021 and around 8,500 in 2016/17. Anti-trans hate crime has also doubled in the same time period.
The Attitude February issue is out now. Get your copy here.
