FOLLOWING a report of homophobic comments being made towards a couple in Stroud, police have interviewed a 34-year-old man in connection with the incident.

A spokesman for Gloucesteshire Police said: "The investigation is on-going and officers are looking to identify further suspects.

"Police would like to speak to any other residents or people who are aware of comments being made.

"They are asked to contact us through the website, quoting incident 188 of 22 March: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/. You can also call us on 101."

John Copley-Hammond and his husband Chris said they were subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation on Thursday, March 18, including openly prejudicial insults based on their sexual orientation.

“We moved to Stroud to start our family as it’s one of the most socially liberal places in the country, which makes the fact that we have experienced this terrible prejudice and homophobia here even more shocking,” said Mr Copley.

“We feel we must highlight this behaviour as it totally unacceptable anywhere in this county in 2021."

The force spokesman added: "Gloucestershire Constabulary takes all incidents of hate crime seriously and will investigate to ensure offenders are dealt with appropriately and victims are given a voice.

"If you believe you have been a victim of a hate crime, please do contact police through www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/hco/hate-crime/how-to-report-hate-crime/."