Second man charged after homophobic assault leaves victim in critical condition
Police in Liverpool have charged and 18-year-old with grievous bodily harm following an attack on a gay teenager last Friday.
The victim was admitted to hospital with serious head injuries and remains in a critical condition.
The man was walking along Tarbuck Road in Huyton with two friends.
They were approached by three youths who assaulted them. The two friends are assisting officers with their enquiries. The incident is being treated as a homophobic hate crime.
Gavin Alker of Woolfall Crescent, Huyton is the second person to be charged in relation to the assualt.
James O’Connor, 19, of Reeds Road, Huyton has been charged with GBH and appeared at Knowlsey Magistrates Court on 28th July.
He was released on police bail and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 12th.
A 19-year-old man from the Huyton area has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, in relation to this incident.
An 18-year-old man from the Prescot area was also arrested in connection with the attack and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Superintendent Martin Andrew said: “Tarbuck Road is a busy thoroughfare and I would have thought that a number of cars and pedestrians would have been in the area at 11am on Friday when the assault took place.
“I would urge anybody who may have seen the three man walking together prior to the incident, who witnessed the assault or can assist in any way to make contact with us.”
Merseyside Police have asked anyone with information to contact them on 0151 777 6564.
If you want to speak to an officer from the Police Gay Support Network contact them on 077646 21430 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
