Another teenager arrested over assault on gay Liverpool policeman
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the homophobic attack on gay Liverpool policeman James Parkes.
The youth is the thirteenth person to be arrested during the inquiry. He is currently being held in custody, while the other 12 boys, aged between 13 and 17, have all been bailed.
Parkes suffered fractures to his skull, cheekbone and eye socket during the October 25th attack, in which he was set upon by up to 20 youths in Stanley Street, part of Liverpool’s gay village. He had been leaving Superstar Boudoir with his boyfriend and friends.
The 22-year-old joined Merseyside Police in May as a trainee officer, having previously worked as a police community support officer for two years.
Police confirmed he has been allowed to leave hospital and recover at home, although he was not well enough to attend a vigil held for him in Stanley Street last night. More than 1,500 people attended the event.
Parkes’ boyfriend Tom Downey spoke at the vigil and asked anyone with information about the attack to contact police.
He added that Parkes was looking forward to returning to his job.
