A TEENAGER has been arrested following a hate incident in Bury.

Shortly after 3.30pm on Monday, a boy aged 15 was subjected to homophobic abuse while walking along Manchester Road.

A confrontation then took place on Manchester Road Park, before the boy was assaulted by a number of males.

The boy was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been discharged.

A boy aged 15 has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody.

Police are continuing to appeal for information in relation to the incident.

Chief Inspector Phil Spurgeon of GMP’s Bury Division said: “This was a cowardly attack on a young man who was subjected to vile, homophobic abuse.

“After challenging his abusers, he was then assaulted by a number of offenders and had to be treated in hospital for his injuries.

“We are treating this offence with the upmost seriousness. We will not tolerate hate crime and will do everything in our power to apprehend offenders.

“While we have arrested one person, we are continuing to appeal for information on this crime and would ask that anyone if information contacts police immediately.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8172 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who thinks they have experienced hate crime should call police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.