AFTER the appalling attack on Lauren Heeks and her partner Jade Vernalls, it has been reassuring to see the widespread condemnation of the homophobic attack.

Residents of Worcester have spoken out to make it clear that they are disgusted by the three men who attacked Miss Heeks and Miss Vernalls, in what was an unprovoked assault.

With EDL protests, an acid attack and now this homophobic assault all in the past few months, outsiders may look at Worcester and think that we are a bigoted and vicious city, but that could not be further from the truth.

Overall, Worcester is a tolerant, compassionate and welcoming place – but, like all cities, there are a minority who bring shame on their community.

That’s why it’s so important that the rest of us speak out to make it clear that the vile views of the minority are not shared by the majority – and that’s exactly what has happened with the attack on Miss Heeks and Miss Vernalls.

Hopefully, the cowardly men who attacked the two women will swiftly be caught and punished.