Leicester: Trans woman assaulted in pub

A 46-year-old trans woman has been attacked just minutes after entering a pub in Leicester City Centre.

Giovanna Del Nord was punched in the head by a stranger, without warning, as she waited to be served in the Market Tavern, in Hotel Street.

According to the Leicester Mercury, the victim had been a resident in the city for less than 2 months.

Ms Del Nord believes she was targetted because she is trans.

Born as a male in Stockholm, she is currently undergoing gender confirmation treatment, which will take 3 years to complete.

Speaking about the attack, Ms Del Nord said: “I didn’t speak to anyone or look at anyone.

“I went straight to the bar and before I’d even ordered a drink I saw a fist coming towards me.

“The next thing I knew I was waking up on the floor. It all happened so quickly that I did not get a chance to see the person who attacked me”.

She added: “I don’t know how long I was out for, maybe a few minutes.

“I have a black eye and a scar on my nose, which I think will be there for life. I’m doing my best to conceal them with make-up”.

A Leicestershire police spokeswoman said detectives were investigating the assault and that CCTV footage had been obtained from the pub.