Teenager attacked in Weymouth suspected hate crime
The victim was headbutted after being asked about his sexuality
Police in Weymouth are investigating a suspected hate-related assault on a teenage boy.
It happened at around 8.30pm on the Saturday evening before last (11th January) on The Esplanade at the end of St Mary Street.
A black car pulled up to a group of friends and asked one about his sexual orientation.
When he responded, one of the passengers got out of the car and headbutted the 16 year old victim.
The offender is described as:
- Male
- Five feet 11 inches tall
- Brown hair
- Wearing a blue tracksuit
There's now an appeal for witnesses to come forward.
PC Sam Welch, of Weymouth police, said:
“This has caused a great deal of distress for the innocent victim and his friends. To be a victim of an assault is an unpleasant experience, but this incident was motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation, which makes it an aggravated offence.
“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed a black car with four white male occupants in the area of the Kings Statue and St Mary Street at the time of the incident to please get in touch.
“I would also ask local residents, businesses and motorists driving at the time to please review their CCTV cameras and dashcams to see if they have captured anything of relevance to our investigation.”
If you can help with any information, you're asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference number 55250005163.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.