Police launch hate crime investigation after man critically injured in suspected homophobic attack in Bristol

A man is in a critical condition after a suspected homophobic attack in Bristol’s city centre.

Emergency services were called to St Nicholas Street in the early hours of 24 April after a report that a man had been found lying unconscious, with significant facial injuries.

The man, in his 30s, was taken to hospital. His health has since deteriorated and he is now in a critical but stable condition.

Another man sustained minor injuries in the incident, which police are treating as a hate crime.

“We are concerned that the incident may include a homophobic hate crime element,” a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said.

“An initial account was provided by a second victim who had sustained minor injuries in the same incident, which did not require hospital treatment.

“He has since been able to provide more information, which means we are investigating the possibility that there could have potentially been a homophobic motivation to what took place.”

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Keith Smith said: “We are treating this incident seriously and have briefed local LGBTQ+ leaders and SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality) of the current situation, because we have recorded this as a hate crime.

“Detectives are seeking to gain a full understanding of what happened, which is why we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

“At this stage there is no evidence to suggest a wider risk to the public, but we wish to identify the offenders as soon as possible.

“We believe the assaults were carried out by a group of three or four men and they are thought to have made off on foot initially and then driven away in a car.

“One man is believed to have been wearing a blue jacket, with two others dressed predominantly in black or grey.

“CCTV inquiries are ongoing as we seek a more detailed description of the offenders.

“The man who required medical treatment remains in a critical condition.

“We are in regular contact with hospital staff and his family to gain updates.

“We are also keeping the second victim updated with our investigation and ensuring they have access to any support they may need.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 and quote reference 5226111583.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or via its website.