A teenage woman was punched in the face after two men shouted homophobic abuse at her.
The attack took place sometime before 1am on Monday, December 9, when police received a report that a 19-year-old woman had been assaulted by two men near to the Wetherspoon pub on Union Street in Blyth , Northumberland.
Those involved had been out with friends when an argument between two groups began.
During this, homophobic abuse was shouted at the victim and her friends. The teenager was then punched in the face by one of the men.
Inquiries are ongoing into the assault, which is being investigated as a hate crime.
PC David French, the officer leading the investigation, said: “We take crimes of this nature very seriously and we’re appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the assault or has information about the incident to get in touch with us.
“It is thought the assault took place between 12.15am and 12.35am and it is vital that anyone with information gets in touch no matter how minor the detail as it could be crucial to the investigation.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting reference number 29 09/12/19 or alternatively via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
