TWO MEN were attacked with bottles and had homophobic abuse shouted at them, police have said.

Bicester locals, Rob and Patrick, who are both in their 30s, were outside Missing Bar in Birmingham's Gay Village on Sunday.

The area of the city has a large LGBTQ community and is known for its lively, cosmopolitan environment.

West Midlands Police said the abuse came from a group of four men, who were in a black SUV at 4 am.

The men then got out of the vehicle and assaulted the victims.

Both men were left covered in blood after suffering cuts to their heads and arms, and Patrick was knocked unconscious.

His partner said the incident was 'shocking' that it would 'happen in 2021'.

The pair had been at a friend's housewarming party and decided to go dancing in the Gay Village at the end of the night.

Oxford Mail:

When leaving Missing Bar, Rob said he saw the men with balloons in the car and jokingly asked whether it was their birthday.

Speaking to the BBC he said: "They did not like that and went into all sorts of foul language, including homophobic slurs directed at us."

Detectives said an attacker snatched Patrick's phone as he tried to film them and their female friend was dragged along by the SUV as she tried to get it back.

The woman in her 20s suffered a foot injury.

Rob said he hen ran after the car to try and challenge the group.

When the car stopped at a red light the men got out and attacked him with wine bottles.

Patrick said he ran to help his partner when someone got out of the car and his him from behind his head causing him to ‘black out’.

Both men were treated in hospital for lacerations and cuts.

Rob said he regrets chasing after the group.

He added: “It’s just shocking that would happen in 2021 in the UK.

“Especially in the Gay Village, that should be a safe area to be who you want and not have to tolerate people yelling homophobic remarks at you.”

CCTV is being recovered and the victims are being contacted to get more information.

Insp Steve Lloyd, from Birmingham Police, said: “This was an absolutely appalling attack and robbery on people just trying to enjoy a night out in the city centre.

“They’ve suffered homophobic abuse before being physically injured, and we are working incredibly hard to find those responsible.

“We’ll be working closely with businesses in the area, and the Southside BID, to reassure them that we are taking this appalling hate crime very seriously.”
The men in the car were described as being of Middle Eastern or Asian appearance.