An investigation has been launched after a teenage boy was assaulted in what is suspected to be a homophobic attack.
Police are investigating the attack in Newark and have released images of three juveniles they want to speak to.
The force was notified after the teenage boy was assaulted by a group of people on Baldertongate in Newark shortly after he left Sherwood Avenue Park on May 10.
Police have launched an investigation after a suspected homophobic attack in Newark. Photos: Nottinghamshire Police
The attack, at around 6.45pm, left the teenager with “nasty” facial injuries. The perpetrators reportedly subjected him to homophobic abuse as they took it in turns to punch him.
The victim managed to run for safety while being assaulted by the individuals – all of whom are believed to be aged between 14 and 16.
PC Rebecca Skinner said: “This was a horrible and completely unprovoked assault on a teenage boy who was minding his own business when he was targeted.
“At this stage, we have strong cause to believe this attack was a hate crime, with the victim reportedly being subjected to homophobic abuse throughout his ordeal.
“It really shouldn’t need to be said but this incident and the suspected motivations behind it are both completely unacceptable.
“We’re determined to track down the people responsible, so on that note, we urgently want to speak to the three people pictured – all of whom we believe could assist our investigation.
“While we appreciate these images aren’t of the greatest quality, we believe there will be people who recognise them, while those pictured will too.
“To anyone who does, we’d urge them to do the right thing and share this information with the police, so we can ask them some questions.”
Anyone with information is asked to report directly on 101, quoting incident 576 of May 10, while Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.