A vicious homophobic attack on two men by three children "shows how much work is yet to be done", according to appalled members of the LGBT+ community.
Three youths aged between 12 and 15 carried out a vicious homophobic attack on two men in Anfield , leaving one with serious knife injuries .
At around 9.20pm yesterday, the two men, both in their 30s, were walking down Manningham Road, in the direction of Priory Road, when they were approached by three male youths.
The youths made homophobic insults towards them before one of them produced a knife and assaulted the men.
One of the victims suffered injuries to his head and neck described as serious but non-life threatening, while the second received a minor hand injury.
They have both been taken to hospital for treatment.
A spokesperson for the LCR Pride Foundation said the shocking attack only highlight the lack of education around diversity.
The spokesperson on behalf of the foundation added: "We are shocked and appalled by the unprovoked homophobic attack on two men walking home through Anfield on Saturday night.
"The Liverpool City Region prides itself on its diversity and acceptance. We have a large, vibrant and active LGBT+ community and consider the city a safe place for all.
“Yet this attack, alongside national statistics showing that homophobic and transphobic hate crimes have more than doubled in England and Wales over five years, demonstrates just how much work is still to be done for LGBT+ equality.
“It highlights how much education around diversity, which includes LGBT+ rights, is needed now more than ever.”
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said he was "angry and ashamed" after he heard about the incident.
On Twitter he wrote : "So angry and ashamed that an openly homophobic attack on two men has happened in my city and that three young men carried it out.
"Please, please help the police identify those responsible, let's show that Anfield & Liverpool will not tolerate hate.
"Love to all in the LGBT community."
Many in the LGBT+ community took to social media to share their disgust at the attack.
Founder of the LGBT+ Network Paul McGown tweeted: "This happened only a few streets away from my own.
"It is absolutely disturbing and saddening that these incidents are still happening in our wonderful city, especially being carried out by children!
"Still think we shouldn't teach acceptance in schools?"
Liverpool Queer Collective also tweeted: "Sending love and solidarity to the two men assaulted in a homophobic attack in Anfield last night.
"With better LGBTQ+ education in schools maybe these sad incidents wouldn’t take place."
'Appalling and unprovoked attack'
Detective Inspector Tara Denn said: "This was an appalling and unprovoked attack on two men simply making their way home and we are working tirelessly to locate those responsible.
"Two men have been left with significant injuries tonight and the hate and violence that has been inflicted on them is simply unacceptable and won’t be tolerated on the streets of Merseyside.
"I would ask anyone in Manningham Road or the surrounding areas to please come forward with any information. You may have witnessed the incident or youths making off from the scene, or even have CCTV or dashcam footage, and I would urge you to please get in touch with police.
