A young police officer has been left fighting for his life after being set-upon by a gang of yobs - some as young as 14 - in a homophobic hate crime in Liverpool.
Trainee PC James Parks, 22, was enjoying a night out with friends at the Superstar Boudoir when a gang of youths assaulted him on Stanley Street in Liverpool.
He suffered "life-threatening" skull fractures, a fractured cheek bone and a fractured eye socket in the vicious assault on Sunday night.
Three male youths from Kirkdale - two aged 15 and one aged 14 - have been arrested on suspicion of assault and were being questioned by detectives.
Detective Chief Inspector 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."
DCI Keelan also insisted the group had not provoked the gang in any way and sought to reassure Liverpool's gay community ofver the attack.
He added: "They didn't provoke the gang and they were on there way home after leaving the club at 9:45 pm for an early night.
"This is a rare, unprovoked assault. The gay community in Liverpool will be worried but all I can say is Liverpool city centre is usually a very safe place and this is an isolated incident.
"With that said it totally unacceptable to attack someone because he is part of a minority group.
"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 enquires and find those responsible."
"Merseyside Police is committed to taking robust and positive action when investigating hate crimes.
"The force has a number of specialist Sigma Investigation Units, which provide support for victims whilst at the same time taking action to arrest and prosecute offenders.
"The Sigma Unit in Liverpool North is involved in this investigation and will be working with the victim in this case.
"We will be doing everything in our power to bring the offenders to justice."
James was sworn-in as a trainee member of Merseyside force in May this year, having worked as as Police Community Support Officer prior to that.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information which could help the police with their inquiries should contact detectives at St Anne Street police station on 0151 777 4064, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively anyone who wishes to speak to an Officer from the Police Gay Support Network can contact them on 077646 21430.
Third party reporting is also available through the Armistead Street Project on 0151 227 1931, or www.stophateuk.org (also available on freephone 0800 138 1625).
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information which could help the police with their inquiries should contact detectives at St Anne Street police station on 0151 777 4064, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
*Update at 6pm - a 17-year-old youth became the fourth per to be arrested over the attack. All are from the Kirkdale area of the city.
Further update at 6pm Weds 29th October: The total number of youths arrested and questioned by police on suspicion of involvement in the attack has risen to twelve. They are aged between 13 and 17 and have all been released on police bail.
Click News Desk, Liverpool around 2 years, 6 months ago