Two teenage ‘goths’ who were subjected to a vicious assault in a suspected Stockport hate crime are being asked to come forward.
Eyewitnesses spotted the attack in which a man was punched and kicked 17 times in 60 seconds outside McColls newsagents in Mersey Square, at about 9.30pm on Tuesday July 15.
A teenage girl was also assaulted in the incident – but neither victim has reported the crime to the police who are investigating the victims’ gothic clothing was a motivating factor in the attack.
Police Constable Steve Watson said: “Until we have spoken to the two victims, we cannot be certain if this attack was a hate crime motivated by the clothing the victims were wearing, but clearly we have consider that as an aggravating factor.
“Greater Manchester Police takes all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and, as has been covered extensively in the press, we are now recording crimes where alternative sub-cultures are targeted for their identity and distinctive clothing.”
The victim is white, in his teens, with red hair, and was wearing a long dark jacket, dark trousers with chains and boots
The girl who was assaulted was said to be also white, with auburn hair and also wearing Gothic-style clothing.
The teenage boy was sat on a wall outside the newsagents, near to the bus station, when he was approached by three teenage girls who verbally abused the boy without provocation.
Over just 60 seconds, the victim was then punched 10 times and kicked 7 times and the girl was also punched in the head.
A member of the public on a bike intervened and the three girls walked off towards the bus station.
Officers are now searching for the two victims and the woman on a bicycle who intervened as they look to establish if the attack was a hate crime.
“People who wish to express their alternative sub-culture identity freely should not have to tolerate hate crime and, therefore, I would strongly urge both victims to come forward so we can record their complaints and ensure those responsible are punished appropriately,” said Police Constable Watson.
“It is totally abhorrent for anyone to be attacked because of a distinctive identity and the level of violence the young boy was subjected to – 17 blows in just 60 seconds – is an appalling indictment of the behaviour of those responsible. He is lucky he was not seriously injured.
“So I would again urge the victims to please call us and we will offer you whatever support you need.”
Anyone with information should call PC Steve Watson on 0161 856 5902, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of mwmbwls, with thanks.
