Teenage girls robbed during 'unprovoked homophobic attack' in Hitchin

It happened on Friday evening (13 August)

Police car
Author: Grace McGachyPublished 15th Aug 2021

Police in Hertfordshire are appealing for witnesses after two girls were attacked and robbed in Hitchin.

Officers say it is believed to be a homophobic hate incident.

The victims, aged 17 and 19, were approached by a group of up to five suspects at around 7:45pm on Friday evening (13 August) in Market Square.

The girls were verbally abused and attacked by the gang who kicked and punched them.

They had their phones and purses taken.

Appeal following a hate incident in Hitchin

14 Aug 2021

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after two girls were attacked and robbed in Market Square, Hitchin, in what is believed to be a homophobic hate incident.

At around 7.45pm yesterday (Friday) the victims, who are aged 17 and 19 years old, were approached by a group of up to five suspects who verbally abused them in Market Square before attacking them. The victims were kicked and punched and had their phones and purses taken.

Both girls were taken to hospital for treatment but have since been released.

The suspects are described as white teenagers.

One had curly brown hair and was wearing black basketball shorts and a white t-shirt.

Two of the others were wearing black hooded tops and black shorts.

Detective Constable Rebecca Robinson said: “This was an unprovoked homophobic attack which left the victims needing hospital treatment.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the town centre last night and who saw what happened or who has any information about the incident to please contact us.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Hertfordshire Police quoting crime reference 41/62451/21.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.