Three boys arrested after trans woman stabbed in Stockton

Three teenagers aged 12 to 16 have been arrested after a trans woman was stabbed in Stockton, County Durham, police said.

Armed police were reportedly sent to the scene of the alleged attack in Norton Road, Stockton, on Tuesday evening (July 2).

The victim, aged around 20, was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital for surgery on a deep leg wound, according to Cleveland police.

Three boys, aged 12, 14 and 16, were arrested and are in police custody at the time of reporting. The incident is being treated as a hate crime.

“No one should have to fear being targeted just because of who they are,” said Cleveland Police Deputy Chief Richard Baker.

“Physical violence against a person, or insults made regarding a person's gender identity, race, disability or any other difference, are not acceptable and will not be tolerated in our communities.

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

Police are appealing for witnesses, doorbell and dash cam footage of the incident and are monitoring local CCTV footage in the area. Witnesses are asked to call 101 and quote reference number 123844.

Hate crimes against trans people in the UK have increased dramatically in the past year, according to statistics shared by the Home Office in 2023.

Data released by the government in October revealed that transphobic hate crime in England and Wales increased by 11%, with 4,732 offences reported in 2022-23.

A year earlier, the Home Office reported that transphobic hate crimes had increased by 56%, from 2,728 to 4,262. Over the past five years, hate crimes against trans people have increased by 186%.