Police probe homophobic street attack

This is a man police want to speak to in connection with a homophobic assault.

The offender approached two men and made a number of comments questioning the sexuality of one of them before punching the 25-year-old in the face.

He was then kicked in the chest before his friend, a 26-year-old man, was also punched and kicked as he tried to intervene in the attack.

It happened outside Coventry Kebab House on New Union Street at around 1am on Sunday, December 23.

PC Tony Sedgley said: "This is being treated as a hate crime as the attacker made comments wrongly questioning the first victim’s sexuality before launching his assault.

"It was a viscous and unprovoked assault on two victims who were simply minding their own business after having had an enjoyable night out.

"What makes this all the more shocking is that it was seemingly purely motivated by speculation about the victim’s sexuality.

"Thankfully neither of the two men were left with lasting injuries as a result of the assault, but they have clearly been left shaken."

The offender, a dark-skinned man, in his mid 20s to early 30s and between 6ft and 6ft 2ins tall, had a goatee style beard and short dark hair.

Anyone who recognises the suspect PC Sedley on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Hate crimes can also be reported anonymously online at http://www.report-it.org.uk