A violent attack outside Blackburn Train Station on Tuesday night targeted two gay men, Daniel Timothy and Jordan Brook, leaving them with injuries including cut eye sockets and swollen faces. The incident, witnessed by Jordan’s terminally ill mother, involved verbal and physical abuse from a group of assailants aged between 17 and 23. Lancashire Police have arrested eight suspects and are treating the incident as a homophobic assault.
On Tuesday night, a violent attack believed to be homophobic left two gay men injured outside Blackburn Train Station in Lancashire. Daniel Timothy, 31, and Jordan Brook, 36, suffered cut eye sockets, scars, and swollen faces during the incident, which occurred around midnight after they returned from a performance of “Burlesque The Musical” in Manchester. The attack happened in the presence of Jordan’s mother, who has terminal cancer.
The assault began after a young man verbally abused the couple at the train station. His aggression escalated into physical violence with the arrival of seven other masked individuals. The group continued hurling homophobic slurs and physical threats before attacking Daniel and Jordan.
Station staff attempted to intervene, but the assailants, aged between 17 and 23, followed the couple as they left the station and then launched a brutal attack. Most of the attackers focused on Jordan, kicking him in the head as he lay on the ground, while Daniel also sustained head injuries attempting to defend his partner.
Both men required hospital treatment for their injuries, which, while serious, were not life-threatening. Jordan experienced significant swelling and pain, and currently cannot see out of his left eye due to an ulcer. Daniel suffered a split eyelid that has resulted in a scar.
Lancashire Police arrived on the scene shortly after the attack commenced and arrested all eight suspects. They were later released on bail as investigations continue. The police are treating the incident as a homophobic assault and have appealed for any additional information.