Teenager Arrested After Chichester Theatre Actor Chased in Homophobic Attack

A 16-year-old male has been taken into custody regarding a homophobic hate crime involving a cast member from the Chichester Festival Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The assault occurred around 6pm on 13 October when a group of young men on bicycles harassed a man in his 20s in the Little London car park behind East Street. This "appallingly abusive attack," as described by the theatre, led to the cancellation of that evening's show. Sussex Police apprehended the minor, whose identity remains confidential for legal reasons, on allegations of making threatening or abusive remarks and shop theft. He was issued a Community Protection Warning and released on bail while investigations continue. Inspector Dave Lyons emphasized the need to report such incidents, stating that hate has no place in communities. The theatre confirmed that the cast member was unharmed and performances would continue until Saturday. Police have reached out to the victim for a complete statement, and information can be reported referencing serial 47260238010.