The parents of a trainee policeman battered in a homophobic attack say they cannot believe the ignorance of their son's attackers. Skip related content
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Six bailed over homophobic attack
PC James Parkes, 22, was off-duty and enjoying a night out on Sunday in Liverpool city centre when he was assaulted by up to 20 teenagers.
He was outside Superstar Boudoir, a gay nightclub in Stanley Street, when the gang shouted abuse before laying into him.
PC Parkes, who was a police community support officer for two years before joining the force in May as an officer, is in hospital with multiple skull fractures.
Six teenagers from the Kirkdale suburb of the city were arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed while detectives continue their investigation.
PC Parkes's parents, Ann and Ron Parkes, praised Liverpool's gay community for supporting their son and urged anyone with information to come forward.
In a statement, they said: "We want to thank the investigation team for all the work they are doing to catch the people involved in this vicious attack.
"We are really grateful for all the support that James has received since the attack, particularly from the gay community and the police."
Tributes have been paid to a schoolgirl who died after slipping in her high heels and falling under a train while waving goodbye to her friends.
