A group of six boys some as young as 12-years-old broke the nose and cheekbone of an Irish author by punching and kicking his face on the ground in a brutal homophobic attack.
Gavin McCrea, 42, was rushed to hospital after being viciously assaulted and abused with homophobic slurs while walking through Dartry Park, Rathmines, Dublin at 6pm on February 1.
The author of Mrs Engels, who has been shortlisted for various prizes for his works such as the Desmond Elliot Prize, had just emailed a publisher about a second novel of his, Dublin Live reports.
What should have been a very happy moment in his life was ruined forever by the group, aged between 12 and 14, who hit him with stones first before knocking him to the ground and beating him up using their fists and feet.
The 42-year-old told Spanish online publication, El Pais about the attack last week and said that "going public was the right thing to do".
He added that since the attack, he has been overwhelmed by the love and support he has received.
A spokeswoman for Gardai confirmed the horrific incident to Dublin Live and said: "We can confirm an assault occurred on 1 February, 2020 at 6p.m at Dartry Park, Rathmines."
She said: "A man (early 40s) was assaulted by a number of youths and was taken to St. James Hospital.
"His injuries were not life threatening and investigations are ongoing."
