Boys arrested after woman stabbed in 'hate crime'
Cleveland Police is appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage to contact the force
- Published
Three boys have been arrested after a transgender woman was stabbed in an apparent hate crime, police said.
Cleveland Police said armed response units were called to Norton Road in Stockton on Tuesday, following "reports of an assault by a group of teenagers with a bladed weapon".
The boys, aged 12, 14 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm following the attack, which happened shortly before 18:00 BST.
The victim, who is in her 20s, was found at the scene with a deep wound to her leg.
She was taken to hospital for surgery while the three boys were taken into custody, where they remained on Wednesday afternoon.
A police spokeswoman said officers are now supporting the victim and her family.
Assistant Chief Constable 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."
The force is appealing for witnesses, CCTV, dashcam and doorbell footage.
Follow ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Tees on , and . Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.