Castle Park Police arrest second man over 'homophobic attacks'

POLICE have arrested a second person in connection with a series of assaults in Castle Park which detectives believe may be homophobic in nature.

- Angus MCINTYRE

A 24-year-old man was detained on suspicion of assault on Friday following reports of men being targeted by perpetrators flashing lights in their eyes before attacking them.

Keith Smith, neighbourhood detective superintendent at Avon and Somerset Police, said: "Obviously, we are concerned there's a homophobic motivation to the offences, but that's a line of inquiry in a live investigation.

"Understandably, this series of assaults has caused significant concern and we want to assure our communities enquiries are continuing at pace.

"Public safety remains a top priority and we want to reiterate there's absolutely no place for hate crime in our city and we'll relentlessly pursue those who perpetrate it."