Man left with 'severe' facial injuries after ‘cowardly’ homophobic attack at pub (2025)

The incident took place at the Old Bridge Inn in Norridge Bottom, Holmfirth (Google Street View)

A man has been left with injuries that required hospital treatment, after what has been described as a cowardly homophobic attack outside a pub in West Yorkshire.

The victim, in his mid-twenties, was confronted by a gang of at least five men outside the Old Bridge Pub, in Norridge Bottom, Holmfirth at about 9pm on Saturday (12 April). He was punched and kicked, leaving him with “severe” facial injuries.

The perpetrators were described by police as being between 18 and 20 years old. They had already made homophobic comments towards the victim and his partner.

Sergeant Toni Ramsden, of the Kirklees Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) said: “A number of enquiries are continuing into this thuggish and cowardly attack in which a group of males targeted the victim and seriously assaulted him.

“Due to homophobic comments made by the suspects to the victim and his partner earlier in the evening, we have recorded a hate crime in relation to the assault. The behaviour is not tolerated in our communities and I would ask anyone who saw or has video footage of what took place to contact us.”

‘Completely unacceptable’

Labour MP for Colne Valley, Paul Davies, told PinkNews that he was “deeply distrusted” to hear about the homophobic attack.

He said: “It is completely unacceptable for anyone to face abuse, harassment, or discrimination due to their race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Hate crimes have a profound and lasting impact on their victims, as they target the very essence of who a person is,”

David added: “I am committed to working alongside the council, police, and local organisations to raise awareness and foster a better understanding of hate crime within our community.

“My message is clear: everyone has the right to feel safe, and we must collectively adopt a zero-tolerance stance against hate crime.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kirklees Rural NPT by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 13250206403.

Anonymous tips can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Earlier this year, an LGBTQ+ couple from North Yorkshire felt pressured to move out after being sent abusive notes by their neighbours.

Huntington-based Alex Houlden and Rachel Roustoby recalled being spat on in the street, as well as receiving the anonymous notes and having an abusive message written on their front door on Christmas Day.

They also said that neighbours removed rubbish from their bins, which was strewn in their garden, as well as receiving abusive messages on parcels delivered to their home.

Houlden said that they were left “terrified” after the repeated incidents, which North Yorkshire Police are treating as a hate crime.