Police hunt man after homophobic abuse on number 45 bus

Police investigating a hate crime on a Birmingham bus have released CCTV images of a man they want to identify, after two passengers were subjected to homophobic abuse.

The two men were travelling on the number 45 service at about 8.30am on Wednesday 2 September when the verbal abuse happened.

"We want to speak to this man"

A police spokesperson said: "We're appealing for information after two men were subjected to homophobic verbal abuse last month."

"We want to speak to this man in connection with the incident. If you recognise the person pictured, or have any information, please get in touch."

Two images taken from the bus's CCTV have been released. Anyone who recognises the man, or who was on the bus that morning, can contact the force through Live Chat on its website, quoting 20/390650/26. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

What counts as a hate crime

A hate crime is any criminal offence that the victim, or anyone else, believes was motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. Verbal abuse, threats and harassment can all be hate crimes, and courts can increase a sentence when hostility is proved.

A hate incident that is not a crime can still be reported. Police record such incidents because they can help build a picture of what is happening in an area, and they can lead to support for the people targeted.

A week of awareness

The appeal came at the end of Hate Crime Awareness Week, which ran from 10 to 17 October. Birmingham City Council's community cohesion team, working with the police and community organisations, took a roadshow around the city during the week, stopping in the city centre, the Jewellery Quarter, Northfield, Longbridge, Erdington, Kings Heath and Small Heath to explain how to report hate crime and where to find support.

Councillor Jane Baston, the cabinet member for equalities, said ahead of the week: "Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, regardless of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity."

"We know that many incidents go unreported. Every report helps build a clearer picture of what is happening in our communities, helps support victims and enables partners to take action."

Where to get help

Hate crime can be reported to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, and online through True Vision, the police-funded reporting site. People who do not want to go to the police directly can report through third-party reporting centres, which include some community groups and charities in Birmingham.

Victim Support offers free, confidential help to anyone affected by hate crime on 0808 168 9111, and LGBT people can also get specialist advice from the charity Galop.