Multiple business owners woke up to the news that their venues were damaged during the night.
On Point, on Eberle Street and YoYo Hairdressing and So Fine and Design on Leather Lane, had their windows smashed in what is being considered a potential hate crime.
The damage comes not even a month after heartless thugs broke into On Point and stole a children’s charity donation box. At the time, a spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ venue told the ECHO that apart from this, not much else was stolen, but the burglar caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. As the two incidents have occurred in such a short space of time, Merseyside Police are being “mindful that this could be targeted against the club”.
READ MORE: Attacks on LGBT+ people go unpunished in Liverpool as 95% of hate crimes remain unsolved
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police told the ECHO : “We are investigating after criminal damage was caused to businesses in Liverpool City Centre earlier this week. Just after midnight yesterday, Thursday 13 October, damage was reported to windows at On Point bar in Eberle Street. Damage was also caused to Yoyo Hairdressing and So Fine and Design on nearby Leather Lane. Enquiries are ongoing, including CCTV.”
Detective Inspector Steven O’Neil added: "At this stage, we are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked, and continuing our enquiries to find who was responsible. The damage to On Point follows previous homophobic hate crime incidents at the location, so we are mindful that this could be targeted against the club.
"We will be carrying out reassurance visits to the businesses targeted and I'd ask anyone with information to come forward as we gather information. Merseyside is a friendly, welcoming place, and we know that the overwhelming majority of people would be disgusted by such incidents. I’d like to reassure our communities that we take such incidents extremely seriously and work tirelessly to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
“I’d urge anyone who has been a victim of hate crime anywhere on Merseyside, or has any information, to come forward and report it. Whether you come to us directly or anonymously, through Crimestoppers or a third party, let us know and we will take action."
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC with a reference. YOu can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or via their online form. If for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity, Stop Hate UK runs a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org .
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