Man arrested over attack on gay couple in Birmingham

A man wanted over a violent attack on a gay couple in Birmingham has been detained.

The 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding after handing himself into a police station on Saturday and remains in custody.

Police are still searching for two more suspects - Sohail Khan, 24, and Ishaaq Ayaz, 21, both from Birmingham.

Gay couple Rob and Patrick, in their 30s, were abused outside the Missing Bar in Birmingham's Gay Village on 15 August.

The men were then attacked with bottles, with Patrick knocked unconscious and Rob left with serious cuts on Bromsgrove Street just after 4am.

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Authorities identified three suspects following extensive CCTV, witness and vehicle enquiries.

Sergeant Marc Petford said: “We have already completed a number of arrest attempts for the men; I would encourage them to hand themselves in and speak to us.

“This was a shocking homophobic attack on two men enjoying a night out in our city. It’s outrageous and we’re determined to bring to justice the people responsible.”

Patrick had his phone taken by one of the group from the car, and a female friend was then dragged along by the vehicle as she tried to reach in to recover the handset.

The woman, in her 20s, suffered an injury to her foot.

The group then got out of the vehicle and attacked the men with bottles.

Anyone with information on the three men’s whereabouts can call police on 101, message Live Chat via the website, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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