There’s been a homophobic attack on Kersland Street

A man has been hospitalised after being the victim of a hate crime


In the early hours of Wednesday 9th August, a 22 year old man was injured in a violent homophobic attack in Glasgow's West End. The attack is thought to have taken place at around 2am on Kersland Street near Great Western Road, a well known residential area for students of the University of Glasgow.

The male suspect was accompanied by a blonde female, both in their early twenties. The suspect subjected a passerby to homophobic abuse and then violently attacked his friend when he attempted to intervene.

The victim suffered serious facial injury when he tried to aid a friend who was being subjected to homophobic abuse. He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where his injuries were treated and he has since been released.

A well known residential area for students

A well known residential area for students

Police Scotland are considering the incident as a hate crime. Det Con Stuart McDonald Police Scotland said: “This despicable individual not only subjected an innocent man to homophobic abuse, but also assaulted his friend when he came to his aid.

“This type of behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and I would appeal to anyone who either witnessed the incident, or saw the man and woman described above, to please get in touch.”

Thousands of people paraded through the streets

Thousands of people paraded through the streets

The suspect has been described as a white male in his early 20s. He was wearing a black top and black tracksuit bottoms. At the time of the incident, he was with a female her early 20s, around 5ft 6in tall and with shoulder-length blonde hair. They were last seen walking east on Great Western Road shortly after the attack.

News of this attack is especially shocking in light of Glasgow's biggest Gay Pride celebration to date which took place just yesterday. This year, Nicola Sturgeon became the first serving minister to address festival crowds. Organisers said the message was that everyone should have the chance to enjoy family life without discrimination or persecution. In light of this horrific attack, it is clear that there is still considerable work to be done to ensure true equality and safety for all in Scotland.