HOMOPHOBIC ASSAULT - BOOTLE

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives have released CCTV footage of three youths they would like to speak to in connection with a homophobic assault outside Throughgoods General Store in Marsh Lane, Bootle on Monday, 21 June 2010.

The victim, a 27 year old man, was with three friends standing outside the shop at around 9pm when he was verbally abused by a group of seven men, who were drinking alcohol.

One of the group then also punched him in the face.  The victim was taken to hospital where he received treatment for a fractured jaw.  The main offender is described as white, 5ft 8in tall and aged around 16 or 17 years old. He has short dark hair with a metal train track style brace on his teeth.

DC Peter Tynan, from the Sigma Hate Crime Unit, said:- "The Force is committed to making Merseyside a safe place for all regardless of ethnic origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and to the belief that everyone has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect. Those who carry out hate crimes targeting people because of their difference should be left in no doubt that their behaviour will not be tolerated and that robust action will be taken to ensure they are arrested and prosecuted for their actions. We ask anyone with any information about this unprovoked attack to come forward so we can bring the offenders to justice."

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call the Sigma Hate Crime Unit at Copy Lane CID on:- 0151 777 3119, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

Highways Agency towing advice for North West drivers

WITH the summer holiday period upon us the Highways Agency is advising anyone towing a caravan, boat or horse box to take some simple steps to ensure a trouble-free journey.

Although most drivers are very responsible, incidents involving towed vehicles can cause disproportionately long delays for other road users as well as distress for their drivers and those directly involved.

The causes of towing incidents include overloading the caravan or trailer, a mismatch with the towing vehicle, tyres which have burst because they have not been checked or replaced with sufficient frequency and poor towing technique from drivers, such as excessive speed.

Highways Agency Director of Traffic Management, Simon Sheldon-Wilson, said:- “Highways Agency Traffic Officers and our contractors are out on the motorway network day-in-day out and see at first hand how incidents involving caravans and other towed vehicles can contribute to delays for other road users. While the majority of towed vehicles travel safely, recent incidents provide a timely reminder to anyone towing a trailer, boat, caravan or horse box this summer to prepare before they set out and take a few simple steps once they are out on the road to avoid becoming involved in an incident. So check your tyres, make sure that caravans and trailers are not overloaded and drive carefully and considerately at this busy time of year in the holiday season.”

The Highways Agency already works closely with organisations like the police, The Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club to raise awareness of safer towing, understanding the legal speed limit, proper insurance and the importance of breakdown recovery and what to do in an emergency.

“Towing has a very good overall safety record. When details of untoward incidents are reported to us, however, it is clear that in the overwhelming majority of cases, paying attention to a few simple guidelines would have prevented the incident occurring, allowing the driver and other road users to have had an uneventful journey.” explained Martin Spencer, Technical Manager for The Caravan Club.

Iain Geddes, The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Senior Technical Advisor, said:- “People choosing to tow must remember the importance of forward planning. Allow plenty of time to perform the recommended safety checks on your unit and plan your route before you leave. Also consider travelling in quieter periods where possible to provide a more relaxed and pleasurable towing experience.”

Advice from the Highways Agency includes:-

• Carrying out a final maintenance check before setting off.

• Being aware that driving with a loaded trailer will inevitably affect the vehicle's performance.

• Checking that the vehicle and trailer are loaded securely and weight is correctly distributed in accordance with the manufacturers' specifications.

• Making sure you are adequately covered for recovery and breakdown.

• Taking extra care when reversing.

More information, including the film ‘Fit to Tow’, a magazine called ‘Hitched’ and other information can be viewed at:- highways.gov.uk/knowledge/16293.aspx.

Towing advice is issued as part of the Highways Agency’s ‘Summer Getaway’ traffic information. Further details can be found on the Highways Agency website.

The area also contains advice on securing roof racks and bike racks and helping with planning the journey. New developments for this year include more information screens installed at motorway service areas and a Twitter service with travel information for some of the main holiday routes.