Police are investigating an assault in a Somerset town as a suspected hate crime after a victim was targeted with transphobic comments and physically assaulted.
A local Pride group has urged witnesses to come forward after the assault in Wincanton left a member of its community needing hospital treatment.
Avon and Somerset Police said the incident happened in Cavalier Way at around 9.15pm on Saturday, August 29.
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Avon and Somerset Police said: “The victim had been walking along the street when a group of four teenage boys started making transphobic comments towards them.
“After challenging them, two of the group assaulted the victim, striking her to the face and kicking her in the ribs. She sustained bruising to her right eye, a cut lip and facial bruising.”
Officers later met the victim in hospital and took an initial statement.
The police added: “Due to the comments made prior to the assault, we are treating this incident as a suspected hate crime.”
The two main suspects are described as white, aged between 16 and 18, about 5ft 10ins tall and wearing grey tracksuits. One is said to have mid-length curly brown hair.
Police said the group had been travelling in a small black hatchback.
Sherborne Pride said it was “heartbroken” by the attack, which it said involved a member of its community.
In a statement, the group said: “It’s easy to show up for Pride when there are flags flying, music playing, performances to share and glitter on our faces.
“But we are heartbroken today and this is when showing up really matters.”
The group said the woman had previously attended her first Sherborne Pride alone, and had also come to this year's event, on June 28, with her mother.
Sherborne Pride added: “This is why Pride exists. Not just for the sequins and the party.
"For the night somebody is attacked. For the morning after. For the frightened parent who doesn’t know how to make people listen.
"For making damn sure that hate is not allowed to happen quietly.”
The group has urged members of the public not to speculate online and instead share any relevant information with the police.
Anyone who saw the incident or has information which could help officers in their enquiries is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5226249101.
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