Bisexual 15-year-old felt ‘a prisoner in his own home’ as hate attack leaves him with broken bones
A bisexual 15-year-old has shared his story after being brutally beaten in a suspected hate attack.
Jamie Watson said he felt his attackers would kill him in the attack which left him with broken ribs, a fractured arm and a bloodied face.
The schoolboy was attacked by three young people in Birmingham who made homophobic comments.
The incident was called “truly horrendous” by West Midlands Police, who have appealed for information in the attack which took place in broad daylight at 3.30pm on 22 July.
Mr Watson, who recently came out as bi, told the Birmingham Mail: “The assault lasted five minutes. I was punched and fell to the ground, where I was kicked and punched all over my body including my head.
“It was absolutely terrifying and I feared for my life. There was three of them in total and they all wore masks.
“I was in a lot of pain and was taken to Heartlands Hospital. I was struggling to breathe and was left with broken ribs, a fracture to my arm and cuts and bruises.”
Adding: “I also had damage to the muscles in my neck due to the force of the kicks to my head.
“It was a terrifying experience and I staggered home covered in blood.”
The schoolboy says this is not the first time he has been targeted with discriminatory insults.
He adds: “I just want them caught now as no-one should have to go through this.”
Sharron Patrick, 46, Mr Watson’s mother, said she has relocated her son to his grandparents’ house so that he can “at least go out of his front door without feeling threatened”.
“This is a solution over the school summer holidays but is not the long-term answer. He feels like a prisoner in his own home.”
Detective Sergeant James Bennett, from Birmingham’s Violent Crime Team , said: “We are trawling CCTV for any clues and want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen the attack to come forward.
“At this stage we believe the attackers could be local and we are sure someone knows who these men are. This was a truly horrendous attack that left the teenager with severe injuries that needed hospital treatment.
“The attackers showed no regard for their victim and repeatedly kicked him to the head and body. Rest assured that we will do everything we can to find those responsible.
“I would also like to directly appeal to those responsible to do the right thing and come forward as it is only a matter of time before we come knocking at their doors.”
Those with any information are encouraged to call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
