Two people beaten up in York hate attack

Two people have been injured in a hate-fuelled attack in York city centre.

The incident occurred on Piccadilly, near St Denys Road and Dennis Street, between midnight and 12.10am on Sunday (27 July).

The victims, aged 20 and 21, had been out for a meal in the city centre when they were subjected to verbal abuse and attacked by an unknown man.

The victims were punched and kicked, causing minor injuries and bruising.

Police are treating it as a suspected hate-related assault. A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: “It is suspected the assault was motivated by transphobic and homophobic views.

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Suspect description

In particular, police are appealing for information about a man seen in the area. He is described as:

• white
• aged in his early 20s
• of skinny build
• medium height
• with brown hair
• and wearing a black top.

He was seen with a woman with long blonde hair.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police.

How to help the police