Police admit charging wrong man over ‘possible anti-gay’ stabbing in Chester
Police have admitted they charged the “wrong man” over a suspected homophobic stabbing on the City Walls in Chester last month, but have now arrested another suspect.
Philip Richard Green was arrested and charged with attempted murder last month in connection with the incident around the City Walls area.
The 35-year-old man was stabbed in the chest as he walked near to Iceland on Frodsham Street on October 21. He has since been released from hospital.
Police have now arrested an un-named 18-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder, who is currently in police custody.
Detective Inspector Helen Spooner previously said: “While it is too early to say for sure that this is a hate crime, we do know that the area where this attack happened is a well-known place that the gay community frequent, so we have to consider this as a possible motive.
“I must stress that I am keeping an open mind and there could be another motive behind the assault, but my priority at this stage is finding the man responsible for this vicious attack and ensuring the public know what has happened so they can be aware of their own safety.”
CCTV footage shows the member of the public walking past the Fat Face store, St Werburgh Street, about 9:15pm on the night of the incident when a man walking behind him appears to ask him something. The man responded by waving his arm as if giving directions.
Detective Inspector Spooner added: “As part of our ongoing investigation we have identified this member of the public as someone who may not realise he could have important information and are keen to speak to him. I am appealing to him to contact police as soon as possible so we can progress this line of inquiry.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident 994 of October 21, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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