Stockton, England — Authorities revealed that a transgender woman in her 20s was the victim of a brutal assault in Stockton, leading to the arrest of three juveniles under charges of grievous bodily harm. The violent incident occurred on Norton Road around 6 p.m. on Tuesday and involved serious injuries that necessitated surgery.
Upon their arrival, first responders, including armed police and ambulance crews, found the woman with a severe leg wound. Footage and images obtained show a significant police presence at the scene, equipped with armed units and canine patrols.
Police, who are currently supporting the victim and her family, emphasized the seriousness of the incident. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker of Cleveland Police addressed the matter, stressing the need for safety and respecting personal identities in the community. “Physical violence, as well as verbal assaults concerning someone’s race, gender identity, or other differences, is intolerable and conflicts with the values of our society,” Baker stated.
Baker also highlighted the broader impact of hate crimes, noting their potential to leave long-lasting psychological scars on victims. He urged anyone who has been targeted or knows someone who might have been a victim to report the incident. Cleveland Police are committed to thorough investigations and providing support to those affected.
Following the event, police detained three boys aged 16, 14, and 12, who were still in custody the following Wednesday. They continue their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities remain vigilant and have renewed their appeal for witnesses and any form of video evidence such as CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell camera recordings that could assist in the investigation.
The local community and social media users have expressed shock and concern over the attack, emphasizing solidarity with the victim and calling for measures to strengthen safety and inclusiveness. Meanwhile, local advocacy groups have reiterated their calls for increased awareness and comprehensive action to mitigate hate crimes, highlighting the need to foster a more inclusive environment.
Police urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward by contacting them directly with the reference number provided for the case. Such contributions can be crucial in delivering justice for the victim and preventing future hate crimes.