The first ‘hate crime’ against an alternative sub-culture has been reported following an assault in Tameside this week.
A 16-year-old ‘Emo’ boy was punched in the face in Ashton town centre at 6.30pm on Monday – and the assault was reported as a hate crime.
It is the first crime to be recorded as such following Greater Manchester Police becoming the first force in the country to treat crimes against alternative sub-cultures as hate crimes.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “It is unfortunate that this incident happened but the fact we were able to identify this as a hate crime is very positive. Just last Thursday we announced that we will now record alternative sub-culture as a hate motivation.
“We hope this encourages victims to continue to come forward so we can take positive action against offenders.”
A 14-year-old boy and a 44-year-old man from Manchester were arrested for Section 47 assault and released on police bail until Tuesday May 7 pending further enquiries
“Officers will be reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses in order to investigate this attack thoroughly, as we do with all crimes,” Assistant Chief Constable added.
Greater Manchester Police expanded its definition of hate crime which means they will now treat abuse towards such groups in the same way they do attacks based on race, religion, sexuality or disability.
The broadening of the definition has been largely welcomed by the Manchester community, and was changed in consultation with The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.
Sophie was murdered in 2007 by a gang who attacked her and her boyfriend in a Lancashire park for being ‘goths’.
Her mother Sylvia said: “It is a very proud day for me personally and the rest of the team.
“It is a validation of the work we have undertaken in the past five years and hopefully other forces will follow GMP’s lead.
“A big thank you to Greater Manchester Police and all our supporters.”
Witnesses or anyone with information can contact Tameside North Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161 856 9350 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Picture courtesy of Yuki Cat, with thanks.
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