LGBT couple attacked in street after kissing

A COUPLE starring in an LGBT show say they were heckled and had objects thrown at them as they kissed in public.
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Lucy Jane Parkinson and Rebecca Banatvala were the victims of a hate crime outside the NST Campus theatre in Southampton, where the pair were performing in the play Rotterdam.

From a passing car Ms Parkinson reportedly had an object thrown at her, knocking her to the ground.

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She says she then heard young boys laughing as the car drove off.

NST Campus, Southampton. Picture: David Martin (CC BY-SA 2.0)NST Campus, Southampton. Picture: David Martin (CC BY-SA 2.0)
NST Campus, Southampton. Picture: David Martin (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The incident, which took place on Saturday, led to the final performance being cancelled.

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Parkinson said: ‘We're just two people looking for happiness like everybody else.

‘I don't really understand why we're met with aggression, from strangers to strangers.

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‘It's made realise the importance of this play and stories like it.’

NST director Sam Hodges tweeted: ‘I am extremely sad that this sort of appalling behaviour is still happening anywhere, let alone in a city where we have worked so hard to promote a culture of tolerance, inclusivity and civic pride.

‘This only makes us more determined to tell these important stories on our stages.’

Hampshire Constabulary is investigating the incident.

A spokesman from the police force said: ‘We have received a report from a third party relating to an incident which happened on Hill Lane, Southampton on the afternoon of Saturday, June 9.

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‘It has been reported that homophobic abuse was shouted at two women, and stones thrown at them, by the occupants of a passing car.

‘The matter is under investigation.’

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting the crime reference number 44190196869.