Police have released CCTV images after three people were attacked in Liverpool city centre.
Officers received reports at around 5.30pm on Sunday, May 16 that a group of three youths had been attacked on Roe Street outside One Below.
A large group of both male and female youths were alleged to have made a series of homophobic and transphobic comments to the victims.
It was also reported that two of the victims were punched, a plastic bottle was thrown at them, and one victim had their mobile phone stolen.
Two of the victims received minor injuries during the incident.
Detective arrested a 15-year-old girl from Seaforth on suspicion of assault and robbery. She was initially bailed and remains under investigation pending further enquiries.
Further CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible, and detectives are now issuing images to help identify people they would like to speak to about the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Speight said: “It is completely and utterly despicable to think that people could be the target of verbal and physical abuse simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Alongside our partners at LCR Pride and the Michael Causer Foundation, Merseyside Police stands against hate crime perpetrated against LGBT+ people, and we will not tolerate people being targeted in this way.
“We have stepped up patrols and introduced a mobile police station in Liverpool city centre to tackle such hate crimes and to listen to concerns, and will continue to do everything in our power to protect LGBT+ people from harm and ensure those who commit acts of hatred towards them are brought to justice.
“I am appealing to anyone featured in these images, or anyone who recognises them, to come forward. We believe they could hold information that could prove vital to our continuing enquiries into this incident.
“You can come forward directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers – however you choose to let us know, please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC with reference 21000314655.
You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.