20-year-old man set alight in alleged homophobic attack in County Durham
By Will Stroude
A 20-year-old man has been set alight in alleged homophobic attack in Stockton, County Durham.
The victim was left with serious burns after being sprayed with aerosol and set alight by a group of four men, and has received skin grafts at North Tees University Hospital, the Teesside Gazette reports.
The attack happened around 3am on Wednesday 20th July on the grounds of Holy Trinity Church, Yarm Lane, Stockton which is known locally as the ‘The Chuggy’.
It was here that a group of four men came up to him asking about his sexuality.
The victim ignored the group and carried on walking. One of the men the then approached him from behind and reportedly sprayed an aerosol can at the victim’s legs before setting it alight which burnt his legs.
The group then made off towards Yarm Lane.
The man who lit the aerosol has been described as white, in his early 20s, medium build, with short blonde hair. He was bare-chested and wearing jogging bottoms.
Police officers are treating the attack as a hate crime and are asking for witnesses to come forward and call Cleveland Police on 101.
Words: Darren Mew
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