Liverpool’s gay community has called for more to be done after a gang attacked a police officer.Samantha Parker reports

“This sort of vicious premeditated attack cannot happen again and we need to make sure the appropriate deterrents are in place. Rat pack attacks need targeting.

“They pick on somebody they perceive to be different. I wish I was shocked by this attack, but I am not at all.

“Homophobia is still rife in the city centre and we need to do more to combat it.”

Mr Parkes joined the Force in May this year and prior to that was a Police Community Support Officer on Merseyside for a couple of years .

DCI Tim Keelan, said: “I would appeal to anyone who may have information which could help us to catch those responsible for this despicable crime to come forward.

“Intensive inquires are taking place and we are currently examining CCTV footage from around the time of the incident to identify those responsible.

“We are treating the assault as a homophobic hate crime and this incident shows there are still some people who have not learnt that crimes of this type are completely unacceptable.

“People who commit hate crimes can expect the full attention of the police and we will not rest until the offenders are brought to justice.

“The offenders will learn their lesson the hard way. We have stepped up high-visibility patrols in the area to reassure the public, and we would urge the community to help us with our enquiries and find those responsible.”

He added: “Merseyside Police is committed to taking robust and positive action when investigating hate crimes.”

Stanley Street was cordoned off yesterday as police carried out forensic examinations.

ANYONE who witnessed the incident, or has any information should call 0151 777 4064, the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, go to www.stop hateuk.org or call 0800 138 1625.

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