Teenagers Hurl Eggs at Patrons Inside LGBTQ+ Venue in Suspected Homophobic Hate Crime, Police Seek Public Assistance

Gloucestershire Constabulary released an image of three boys officers want to speak to

Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed it is investigating a suspected homophobic hate crime following an incident at Proud, an LGBTQ+ venue situated in Kings Square, Gloucester.

According to the force, the incident occurred at approximately 20:00 GMT on 4 February, when three teenagers entered the premises and threw eggs at a number of people inside. The venue subsequently described the incident on social media, noting that it had resulted in a damaged laptop and left several patrons visibly shaken.

Investigators have released images of three individuals they are seeking to identify in connection with the incident and have appealed for members of the public with relevant information to come forward and contact the force directly.

The incident carries additional weight given that Proud announced its permanent closure earlier this month, citing the increasingly difficult conditions facing the hospitality sector. The closure means the attack took place at a venue that has since ceased to operate, leaving the local LGBTQ+ community without what had been a dedicated social space.

European Editorial Office: John