Three boys arrested after transgender woman stabbed in alleged Stockton hate crime attack

Three boys have been arrested after a transgender woman was allegedly stabbed in a suspected hate crime.

Armed police were called to Norton Road in Stockton shortly before 6pm on Tuesday 3 July after receiving reports of an assault.

Officers at the scene found the woman, who is in her 20s, with a deep wound to her leg. She was taken to hospital where she required surgery.

Three boys, aged 16, 14 and 12, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and taken to police custody for questioning.

The incident is being treated as a hate crime. The victim and her family are being supported by specialist officers.

Cleveland Police are investigating and are appealing for witnesses.

Assistant Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Richard Baker said: “Nobody should ever have to fear being targeted for simply being who they are.

"Physical violence against a person, or slurs made regarding a person’s gender identity, race, disability or any other difference, is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in our communities.

“Cleveland Police takes all reports of hate crime and hate crime incidents extremely seriously, as we know the effects of this type of crime can be traumatic and long-lasting.

"If you have been the victim of hate crime, or you are concerned about someone you know, please report it to us. We have officers who can support you through an investigation and work together to bring offenders to justice."

Anyone with CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage is urged to call 101, quoting reference number 124844.

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