Detectives are investigating four assaults
File image of police cordon at Castle Park.(Image: Paul Gillis/BristolLive)
Patrols have been increased at a city centre park in Bristol after a series of “homophobic” attacks.
Detectives are investigating four assaults which have taken place in Castle Park within the past two weeks, and police believe these assaults may be homophobic in nature.
Avon and Somerset Police said the incidents – which are being treated as linked – happened between November 30 and December 5.
A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the latest incident, where a man in his 30s was struck in the head and needed to go to hospital after being left with injuries on the level of actual bodily harm (ABH).
The arrested male was interviewed and released on police bail while enquiries continue, said Avon and Somerset Police.
Police said that due to the attacks being at night, descriptions of the suspects are limited, but it is believed the attacks involved two men, one of them being white, and both were wearing dark clothing and face coverings.
Officers urged members of the public to remain vigilant in Castle Park during hours of darkness.
Here is a full timeline with what we know so far:
Man suffers injuries to wrist, back, shoulder and head
The first incident happened at around 1.15am on Sunday, November 30.
Two unknown men approached the victim, a man in his 40s, and shone a light into his eyes and struck him in the head, causing him to fall, said Avon and Somerset Police.
The force said: “The victim sustained injuries to his wrist, back, shoulder and head.
“His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening or life changing.”
Detectives said they are keen to hear from a potential witness of this attack.
He was described by the victim as “a man of Indian descent, with short hair and in his 30s”, according to a police spokesperson.
Two assaults on the same night
Days later, two reports of assault were made on the same night, within an hour at Castle Park.
The two reports, which related to two different incidents, were made between 12.30am and 1.30am on Wednesday, December 3.
The victims, a man in his 40s and a man in his 20s, are not thought to have required medical attention.
It is believed the two suspects were both wearing balaclavas at the time of the incidents.
Police increased patrols within the city centre park following these two attacks.
Man struck in the head in fourth attack in six days
The latest incident, where a man in his 30s was struck in the head, happened last Friday (December 5).
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “He sustained ABH-level injuries and attended hospital for medical treatment.
“A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with this latest incident.
“He’s been interviewed and released on police bail while enquiries continue.”
The four attacks, which were all in the same area in the same manner, are now being treated as linked, and officers are “concerned they may be homophobic in nature” in a statement released by the police force yesterday (Wednesday, December 10).
The spokesperson said yesterday: “Detectives are investigating four assaults which have taken place in Castle Park within the past 10 days, and officers are concerned they may be homophobic in nature.
“An operation with senior leadership oversight is in place to ensure a full and thorough investigation is carried out into the incidents which have occurred between Sunday, November 30 and Friday, December 5.”
Police said that due to the attacks being at night, descriptions of the suspects are limited, but it is believed the attacks involved two men, one of them being white, and both were wearing dark clothing and face coverings.
What has the police said about the attacks?
Police said that CCTV trawls, interviews and local enquiries have taken place and have urged members of the public to remain vigilant in Castle Park during hours of darkness.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Alistair Norman, said: “While we remain open-minded about the direction of this investigation and the motivation for the assaults, we are currently treating these incidents as linked.
“We’ve made one arrest and are continuing to speak to the victims, review CCTV footage, and carry out other enquiries to identify the offenders responsible for these concerning incidents.”
Bristol Central Neighbourhood Chief Inspector John Shaddick said that police understand that the incidents will be distressing for members of the community and said police are working with local LGBTQ+ leaders at this time.
Ch Insp Shaddick said: “We understand this update will be distressing for members of our community. There is no place for hate crime in our city and we will not tolerate such behaviour.
“We are taking matters of public safety in and around Castle Park, and the wider city centre, very seriously and are working closely and engaging with local LGBTQ+ leaders.
“We have implemented a number of measures, including the use of our mounted team, dog units and increased regular foot patrols to enhance visibility, engagement and to deter further criminal activity.
“We also continue to work collaboratively with our partners at Bristol City Council, local businesses and with CCTV operators to ensure a timely police response to incidents, and we remain in regular contact with other community leaders and groups to provide reassurance and updates.”
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “If you witnessed the incident, have any dashcam, doorbell, mobile or CCTV footage or have any other information which could help us to further our enquiries, please call us on 101 and quote reference 5225345559.
“Alternatively, if you do not want to report directly to police, you can report a crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through trusted partners such as Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI).
“Detectives are also keen to hear from a potential witness who may have seen the first assault on Sunday. He is described by one of the victims as a man of Indian descent with short hair and in his thirties.
“If you think this may be you, or you know someone who matches this description, please also get in touch.
“If you are a victim of hate crime, please report it to us as soon as it happens. Officers will take your report seriously and seek to bring those responsible to justice.
“You can report via 101 or, in an emergency, 999, via our website, or at your local police station.”