Big Brother star beaten in homophobic attack

Merseyside police are appealing for witnesses after former Big Brother contestant Mark Byron and a friend were beaten in an apparent homophobic attack in Liverpool last night.

The 25-year-old was leaving the Black Rabbit on Fleet Street with friends yesterday (October 1) when an unidentified man allegedly grabbed him by his hair, shouted homophobic abuse and punched him to the ground, the Liverpool Echo reports.

Marks’ friend Paul apparently stepped in to defend him, but ended up with a broken shoulder and fractured skull after being attacked by the same assailant, who alegedly feld the scene in a black cab. Paul was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

In the wake of the incident Mark – who finished in eighth place on series 15 of the Channel 5 reality show last year – has spoken of his anger that no one step in to help the pair while they were being attacked.

“It was disgusting. While we were waiting for an ambulance to arrive, drinkers were trying to take selfies with Paul who was covered in blood”, he said.

“Drinkers were standing by and laughing at the appalling scene before them.”

He went on: “I feel so guilty about what happened to my friend who stepped in for me.

“I’m proud to be from Liverpool but disgusted this happened to us in our home city. How someone can be hurt by stepping in to protect me against a hate crime in 2015 is unbelievable.

“I am so proud of Liverpool and its acceptance of all cultures and ways of life. This really has saddened me that people who may have had no legal responsibility to step in and help, but certainly a moral one, turned a blind eye and even laughed while such a disgusting and ferocious attack took place.”

City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Steve Hardy urged members of the public who may be able to help with the investigation into the incident to come forward. The alleged assailant is described as a white male, wearing blue t-shirt and blue shorts.

“Fleet Street and the surrounding area was particularly busy at the time of the incident and I would appeal to anyone who was out and about at this time and think they saw anything to contact us with that information”, he said in a statement.

“We are aware that a number of taxis passed the vicinity of the assault and that one may have transported the offender from the scene.

“I would urge all of them to contact us to help us with our enquiries. Information they may have, no matter how small, may help us bring those responsible to justice.

“I’d also like to reassure people that incidents like this are rare and that neighbourhood officers will be increasing patrols in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call St Anne Street CID on 0151 777 4065 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In This Article: