Police are investigating an alleged homophobic attack against a woman as she walked home late at night.

Charlie Graham, 20, was left bloodied and bruised after being attacked from behind in Sunderland.

Northumbria Police confirmed they were looking into the incident in the early hours of Saturday, when Ms Graham was also said to have been subjected to homophobic abuse.

Image: Ms Graham says she has been attacked several times before

The force said: "Shortly before 1am on Saturday 11 January, we received a report of an assault on Blackwood Road, Sunderland.

"It was reported that a woman was walking when she was attacked by two males who subjected her to homophobic language and caused injuries to her face, hands and knees.


"An investigation has been launched into the incident and officers are currently treating the assault as a suspected hate crime."

Pictures of Ms Graham being tended to after the incident were posted on Facebook by her mother Michelle Storey.

They were also shared by Ms Graham, who said she was "doing much better" but was concerned that she could be attacked again in future.

She added: "I am in a lot of pain but I'm pushing through it.

"Unfortunately this is not the first time I've been jumped. I've been jumped five times before this and the police do not think they are connected."

Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 quoting log 46 11/01/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111