Girl, 15, arrested following hate crime in Liverpool City Centre

We have arrested a 15-year-old girl following a reported hate crime in Liverpool City Centre on Sunday, 16 May.

At around 5.30pm we received a report that a group of three youths were attacked on Roe Street, outside One Below.

The suspects, a larger group of male and female youths, were reported to have made homophobic and transphobic comments towards the victims.

It was further reported that two of the victims were punched, a plastic bottle was thrown at them, and one victim had their mobile phone stolen.

Two of the victims received minor injuries during the incident.

Following CCTV enquiries, a 15-year-old girl from Seaforth was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault and robbery. She has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.

Detective Inspector Graeme Osborne said: “For a group of young people simply going about their daily lives to be verbally abused and assaulted in such a way is utterly despicable.

“We at Merseyside Police stand against hate crime in all its forms and will not tolerate people being targeted in this manner because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“While we have made one arrest, we’re working hard to find all those responsible. If you witnessed the incident and have any information, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You can come forward directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers, however you choose to let us know, please come forward and we will take action.

“We will always take reports of hate crime extremely seriously and we will do everything within our powers to ensure that those responsible for such incidents are dealt with robustly.

“Monday 17 May was the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The incident on Sunday shows why it’s so important that we support IDAHOBIT and say loud and clear that we stand against violence towards the LGBT+ community and will not tolerate discrimination from or against the people of Merseyside.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC with reference 21000314655 . You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.