THE partner of a gay police officer beaten by a gang of teenagers has said he is overwhelmed by the support they have received.

Tom Downey was out with James Parkes in Liverpool city centre when they were attacked.

PC Parkes, 22, from Belle Vale, suffered multiple fractures to his skull, a fractured cheek bone and fractured eye socket.

His condition was last night described as serious but stable and improving. His injuries are now not thought to be life-threatening.

Speaking on the Pete Price radio show, Mr Downey said: “I am very upset, I am just climbing the walls at the moment. I don’t know what to do with myself.

“But there has been an immense amount of support, mostly via Facebook.

“Cards are coming through the door by the minute. People we don’t even know are sending us messages.”

Mr Downey has urged as many people as possible to attend a vigil against homophobia on Sunday and a march to take place next month.

He added: “We must try and stop this homosexuality crime – people getting beaten up just because you are gay, lesbian or transgender.”

The city council yesterday passed a special Lord Mayor motion to give the organisers permission to hold the event in Stanley Street at 8pm. The Rainbow pride flag will fly above the Town Hall.

The move comes as the council was praised by Prime Minister Gordon Brown for the work it has commissioned educational charity Ariel Trust to do – in particular, its learning pack addressing the issue of homophobic bullying.

The learning resource “Denial” is designed to support teachers in raising awareness of homophobic bullying and to facilitate positive discussion about how it can be challenged.

Twelve teenagers have now been arrested in connection with the attack and released on police bail.