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Homophobic attack on trainee Pc Homophobic attack on trainee Pc
(10 minutes later)
A trainee police officer is critically ill in hospital with multiple head injuries after a homophobic attack in Liverpool city centre. An off-duty trainee police officer suffered multiple skull fractures when he was attacked outside a gay bar in Liverpool city centre.
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. James Parkes, 22, who is training with the Merseyside force, was out with friends when he was attacked by a gang on Stanley Street on Sunday night.
Four boys from the Kirkdale area, one aged 17, two aged 15 and one 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 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.Mr Parkes was leaving Superstar Boudoir, one the city's well-known gay bars, when he was attacked.
Multiple fractures 'Openly gay'
His condition was described as "very critical" after he suffered multiple fractures to his skull, a fractured cheekbone and a fractured eye socket. His condition was described as "very critical". Apart from the skull fractures, he has a fractured 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.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.""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.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.Mr Parkes began his initial 31 weeks training in May and is due to pass out in early 2010.