Police officers investigating the violent and unprovoked assault of a Lincoln man have updated their appeal for information, suspecting the attackers may have been motivated by the victim’s clothing.
As previously reported, the 56-year-old man, who was wearing a skirt at the time, was attacked on Sunday, November 1 at around 2.15am.
He suffered fractures to his jaw and cheek, injury to his nose and severe cuts and bruising to his face.
Four men are believed to have been involved in the attack. One is described as having black hair, wearing a mid-length black/dark-coloured jacket and dark blue jeans.
No descriptions have been obtained of the other possible attackers.
While initially police were treating the motivation behind the attack as unknown, it has now been confirmed the incident is being treated as a hate crime.
Inspector Pat Coates, of community policing in Lincoln, said: “This appears to be an unprovoked and prolonged attack that may have been motivated solely by the victim’s appearance.
“This type of criminal behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated in our county and we are doing everything possible to find the person responsible.
“If you know him or have any information that might help us trace him then please do not hesitate to contact us on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 79 of November 1. Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A photograph of the victim, who wished not to be named, has been shared to highlight the extent of his injuries.