Southampton gay couple allegedly assaulted after night out

Greg Miedzwiecki, 30, and his partner, Lee Trussler, 28, say they were attacked while waiting for a taxi after a night out at the Edge.

The pair, who were with a friend, said three men spotted them cuddling in London Road at around 3am.

They started shouting homophobic slurs at Greg and Lee before punching Greg in the face, the pair claim.

Greg said: "Three guys crossed the road, saw us cuddling because it was cold and they went in on us. They started calling us queers, and all that stuff.

Greg Miedzwiecki and Lee Cameron Trussler at Southampton Pride

"I started recording them, shouting at them 'how dare you'.

"Then it all kicked off, one guy punched me in the face.

"My partner tried to defend me but the other two guys attacked him. It was a horrible experience.

"They were chasing me and I called the police. My partner was on the floor while they beat him, I could see it all happening.

"They ran away when I called the police.

"Police came and took us to hospital, he had loads of bruises, and a massive cut on his tongue."

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Greg said the pair "feel very uncomfortable" and are "scared to leave our home".

He added: "Last year we had some incidents, people calling us names on the streets, but this time it was physical abuse.

"We have been together for a year and a half and we are very happy, very open and we don't hide our relationship.

"But after this, we feel like everyone is staring at us even if we are just holding hands in the street.

"We know these men are still out there and it's worrying."

Greg said he was "disappointed" with the police investigation into the May 1 assault so far. He said officers have not taken a statement from them.

Greg Miedzwiecki and Lee Cameron Trussler

They will be interviewed on May 19 - nearly three weeks after the attack.

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Greg said: "These things still happen and it's unacceptable.

"We just want to live our lives."

Police are now appealing for CCTV or dash cam footage of the incident.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: "The officer investigating the case has been and continues to make a number of other enquiries to be able to carry out a thorough investigation into what happened.

"We completely understand that this might feel like a long time however we are committed to following up all lines of enquiry.

Greg Miedzwiecki and Lee Cameron Trussler

"Victim statements are an important part of that and the officer has arranged a time to take these from the victims in this case.

"We actively encourage anyone to report any incident of a hate crime. Any crimes motivated by prejudice or hate in Southampton will not be tolerated and we are committed to bringing offenders to justice.

"For many years we have worked hard to build strong links with communities in Southampton in order to increase confidence and maintain trust and this work is always ongoing.

"If victims are ever concerned about being repeatedly targeted we would always urge them to get in contact so that we can support, reassure and offer safeguarding."

If you have any information regarding the incident, contact 101 or via the police website, quoting 44220171297.

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