This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/merseyside/8326810.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Homophobic attack on trainee Pc Homophobic attack on trainee Pc
(41 minutes later)
A trainee police officer was seriously injured in a suspected homophobic attack in Liverpool city centre, detectives have said. A trainee police officer is critically ill in hospital with multiple head injuries after a homophobic attack in Liverpool city centre.
James Parkes, 22, who is a trainee officer with Merseyside Police, was out with a friend when he was attacked on Stanley Street on Sunday night. James Parkes, 22, a trainee with Merseyside Police, was out with friends when he was attacked leaving a gay bar on Stanley Street on Sunday night.
Three boys from the Kirkdale area, two aged 15 and one aged 14, have been arrested on suspicion of assault. Four boys from the Kirkdale area, one aged 17, two aged 15 and one 14, have been arrested on suspicion of assault.
About 13 youths, aged between 15 and 18, are believed to have been involved. About 13 youths are believed to have been involved.
Mr Parkes was leaving Superstar Boudoir, one the city's well-known gay bars, when he was attacked.
Multiple fractures
He condition is described as "very critical" after suffering multiple fractures to his skull, a fracture cheekbone and a fractured eye socket.
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "The officer who is openly gay was with his partner, another man and woman when the incident took place.
"From the language used by the offenders towards the officer we perceive it was a homophobic attack."
One of Mr Parkes' companions was punched in the face.
Mr Parkes began his initial 31 weeks training in May and is due to pass out in early 2010.