A TEENAGER was headbutted after being quizzed over his sexuality in a Weymouth street.
Police are investigating the hate-related assault which happened at the end of St Mary Street on The Esplanade some time between 8.15pm and 8.45pm on Saturday, January 11.
Officers said the victim was with three friends when a black car stopped at the end of St Mary Street.
“The occupants of the vehicle spoke to the victim and his friends and asked the victim his sexual orientation,” a spokesperson said. “After the victim responded, one of the occupants got out of the vehicle and assaulted the victim by headbutting him.”
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The offender is described as male, 5ft 11 inches tall, with brown hair and was wearing a blue tracksuit.
PC Sam Welch, of Weymouth police, said: “This has caused a great deal of distress for the innocent victim and his friends. To be a victim of an assault is an unpleasant experience, but this incident was motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation, which makes it an aggravated offence.
“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed a black car with four white male occupants in the area of the Kings Statue and St Mary Street at the time of the incident to please get in touch.
“I would also ask local residents, businesses and motorists driving at the time to please review their CCTV cameras and dashcams to see if they have captured anything of relevance to our investigation.”
Anyone with information about the attack should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or on 101, quoting incident number 55250005163.
They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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