An LGBT rugby player was left with a broken jaw after a homophobic attack on Canal Street – and now CCTV footage has emerged in a bid to find those responsible.
The 24-year-old man was out promoting his LGBT rugby team in Manchester on Saturday November 1 when a gang of about four men began a torrent of homophobic abuse.
One of the group punched him in his face, breaking his jaw. The incident occurred around 9pm.
Detective Constable Louise Kelly of North Manchester division said: “We believe this to be a homophobic attack and I want to make it clear that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated on our streets.
“The victim was merely promoting his rugby team, but was subjected to an attack, during which he suffered a broken jaw and has had a metal plate inserted into his face.”
Police are hoping the CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the attack will jog the memory of anyone who was in the Canal Street area that night who might have seen something.
They are appealing for anyone with information about the hate crime to come forward.
APPEAL: Police want to speak to this man in connection with the attack
DC Kelly said: “I want to reassure local businesses and residents, who live, reside or socialise in the gay village that we are treating this extremely seriously.
“I want to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image or who may have witnessed the incident.
“It was 9pm in a busy area, there were lots of people on Canal Street at that time that may have information that could help us with our investigation.”
If you have any information about the incident please call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Main image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
