Liverpool : Gay policeman attacked after homophobic rant

A candlelight vigil and a ‘march against homophobia‘ have been organised in the wake of a homophobic attack on a trainee policeman in Liverpool on Sunday night.

22 year old James Parke was hospitalised with multiple fractures to his skull and cheekbones following the attack, which took place in Stanley Street, where the majority of Liverpool’s gay clubs and bars can be found. Twelve teenagers from Kirkdale have been questioned, with six being released on bail. It is believed that a gang of up to thirteen teenagers had been shouting homophobic abuse at him prior to the attack. Parke’s condition has been described as “serious but stable”.

The attack occurred just weeks after the proposal for a gay pride parade in Merseyside newspaper The Wirral Globe was met with outrage from local residents. Next week, Liverpool will play host to Homotopia Not Homophobia, an annual festival of gay culture.

Police have asked that anyone who witnessed the attacks or can help the police with their inquiries contact St Anne’s Street CID 0151 777 4064 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.