TWO women and a man faced a barrage of homophobic abuse from youths as they left a park, police have said.

An 18-year-old woman, her partner, aged 19, and a 21-year-old man were leaving Sankey Valley Park in Newton-le-Willows when they were verbally abused by the youths.

The offenders were two boys and a girl aged between ten and 13.

The incident happened on Bradlegh Road at around 8pm on Monday, August 4.

As the friends walked along Kingsway close to Tyrer Road a man approached them and was joined by the children who appeared to know him.

He then also started to abuse the group.

Detective Constable Michelle Cliffe said: “This was a deeply upsetting incident for the woman and her friends as the group of youths began the verbal abuse in the park. When they decided to leave the youths followed and continued with the abuse.

“When the man approached the victim attempted to explain the situation to him. He wasn’t interested in what she was telling him and he continued with the verbal abuse.

“People who carry out these offences should be left in no doubt that their behaviour is totally unacceptable and I want to take this opportunity to reassure the community that we are determined to take robust action against them.”

One of the boys is described as white, aged between 11 and 12, about 4ft, black cropped hair and wearing a dark blue polo shirt and dark blue jeans.

The second boy is around ten, white, around 4ft, with dark spiked hair and was wearing dark blue jeans and a baggy white T-shirt.

The girl is described as white, between 12 and 13, around 4ft tall with long ginger hair worn in pigtails. She wore a floral dress.

He is described as white, around 30 and about 5ft 9in. He has very short, almost shaven black hair and was wearing light blue baggy jeans, a tight fitting white Adidas t-shirt and a long silver necklace.

Contact police on 0151 777 6811 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.