Police release CCTV image of gay pub attack
Leicester police have released a CCTV image after two men were severely burned at a gay pub.
The incident took place at about 12.40am on Tuesday October 25th at the Rainbow and Dove Pub in Charles Street.
The image is of a man police wish to identify and trace in connection with the incident.
Two victims, aged 20 and 21, are being treated in hospital. One suffered “life-changing” burn injuries to his face, while the other received injuries to his hands.
Early reports suggested they were doused in a flammable liquid which was somehow set alight.
Police say there is no indication that the incident was motivated by homophobia, although they are treating it as an assault.
Detective Inspector Simon Preston, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “We have been actively investigating the incident and studying CCTV footage from the area in a bid to identify the person responsible.
“We would urge the public to take a good look at the images and contact us if they recognise the man or have any suspicions about his identity.
“At this stage there is no evidence to suggest that this incident was homophobically motivated or that the victims were specifically targeted but we are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the events leading up to it.”
He added: “We would like to reiterate that incidents of this nature are extremely rare and we would like to reassure people that we will leave no stone unturned in finding the person responsible.
“If you were in the Charles Street area during the early hours of yesterday morning (Tuesday October 25th) and you witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it we would urge you to contact the police, if you haven’t done so already.
“It’s vitally important that we speak to everyone who was in the area as the smallest of detail could help us identify the man responsible. Any calls received will be treated in confidence.”
