Police release CCTV image following suspected homophobic attack on teenager in Chichester city centre

Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 09:00

By V2 Radio

Do you know this man? - Credit: Sussex Police 2026

Sussex Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to following an alleged homophobic assault which left an 18-year-old requiring hospital treatment in Chichester city centre.

The incident happened outside Rapscallions Club in South Street between 3am and 4am on 1 October, when the victim was making his way through the city centre following a night out.

According to police, the teenager was with a friend when they were approached by two men, one of whom allegedly began behaving aggressively.

The victim was pushed, headbutted and subjected to a further assault, leaving him with injuries serious enough to require treatment in hospital.

Officers are investigating the incident as a homophobic hate crime.

The victim described the suspect as being of a large build, with dark brown hair and wearing dark clothing.

He also told officers the man may have mentioned that he was from North Wales.

As part of their investigation, detectives have now released a CCTV image of a man they believe could assist with their enquiries and are appealing for the public's help in identifying him.

District Commander Chief Inspector Kay Hutchings condemned the attack and urged anyone who experiences hate crime to report it.

She said: “This was an unprovoked assault in Chichester city centre which left the victim shaken and requiring hospital treatment.

"We take reports of hate crime seriously. Hate has no place in our communities. We understand that reporting it can sometime be difficult, but we continue to encourage anyone impacted by hate crimes to report them to Sussex Police.

“We are continuing to work with partner agencies in Chichester to further support victims of crime.”

Police are keen to hear from anyone who was in South Street during the early hours of 1 October and may have witnessed the incident or seen the individuals involved.

Officers are also asking anyone who recognises the man pictured in the released CCTV image to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police through its website, quoting serial 1307 of 01/10.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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