Contact the Telegraph
Send us your news tips, photos and videos Text LT and your message to 80360 or click here for more ways to contact us »
REGISTER NOW TO POST YOUR COMMENTS ON THESE STORIES
It's free and only takes a few seconds. Click here to go to the registration page.
Goths attacked by terror gang
7:56am Monday 22nd October 2007
Comments (74)
A GROUP of horrified teenagers were chased and attacked with sticks and bottles because of how they were dressed.
The three boys and one girl, all 15, were attired in "gothic" or "mosher" style, with black clothing, jeans and jewellery, when they were set upon by a group of up to 12 youths just before 6pm on Saturday.
Police said the attack, in Burnley, could have been much more serious if a passer-by had not stepped in to save the them.
And he said it was even more sickening as it came just two months after the death of 20-year-old Sophie Lancaster, who was beaten to death in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, because of her gothic dress style.
The teenagers involved in the latest incident were first chased in Leyland Road, but the attack happened in Holcombe Drive, near Turf Moor.
Two of the victims were taken to hospital, but were released later the same evening.
Three of the victims suffered cuts and bruising, and one boy's arm has been so badly battered it has been put in a sling.
Detectives said they were treating the incident very seriously because of the vicious nature of the attack.
Det Insp Derek Jones, of Burnley police, said: "They are nice, intelligent kids who were all very frightened by what happened to them.
"They were attacked with sticks and bottles and we believe that the attack was stopped by a passer-by.
"It could have been far more serious otherwise and that's why we have had a number of detectives working on it.
"They could have ended up with very serious injuries."
He said the attack was similar to that on Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend Rob Maltby, in August, because once again the teens had done nothing to provoke the violence and were targeted only because of their appearance.
Det Inp Jones said: "I honestly believe these people had done nothing more than walk down the street minding their own business, and just because they look different to the general population of that area they have been set upon.
"I believe these people have been targeted because of the way they dressed and the way they looked.
"We don't often get incidents like this in Burnley - most assaults are related to drinking.
"Obviously there are always minor skirmishes between kids, but fortunately this kind of thing isn't too common, and we want to keep it that way.
"We won't tolerate attacks on anyone, and we are appealing to anyone who might have seen what happened to come forward and let us know."
Police made house-to-house inquiries in Leyland Road and Holcombe Drive yesterday and searched the area.
It is believed the youths behind the attack were white.
The attack left moshers at the nearby bus station shocked yesterday.
One said: "We heard about what happened in Bacup and that has frightened us all.
"We have all had comments and things like that but it is frightening that this has now happened in Burnley."
Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to call Burnley CID on 01282 472144, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Your Say YourLancashire Telegraph
Fred, blackburn says...
10:19pm Sun 21 Oct 07
Martin, Colchester says...
6:51am Mon 22 Oct 07
gov.uk/goth-hatecrim
es/
- I think the public apology for the recent story published by the LET is now overdue, stirring up hate crime is not acceptable. The police are wrong, these attacks are common, and ignoring that will only lead to more tragedies like Sophies, the LET could easily redeem itself by getting behind this petition.
Doctor Varney, The mudflats of central England. says...
8:53am Mon 22 Oct 07
Sincerely,
Doctor V
Paul Cockerton, Lancashire Telegraph web editor says...
9:13am Mon 22 Oct 07
StopWastedLives, Manchester says...
9:58am Mon 22 Oct 07
'A GROUP of horrified teenagers were chased and attacked with sticks and bottles because of how they were dressed.'
Also, whilst the police in the article last week described these youths as 'a problem' now a police spokesman claims
'I honestly believe these people had done nothing more than walk down the street minding their own business, and just because they look different to the general population of that area they have been set upon.'
For more thoughts on this please visit the forum.
Ben, Waterfoot says...
10:07am Mon 22 Oct 07
How come the article doesn't mention the gang who were chasing the goths with bottles.. the chavs more than likely.
LET are simply like the chavs and most people. They attack and stereotype the goths and emos into things they aren't. Simply because they are too ignorant to understand.
Adamsky, says...
10:17am Mon 22 Oct 07
Adamsky, says...
10:21am Mon 22 Oct 07
Ben wrote:And Ben, surely you can see that by saying 'don't label goths as trouble causers' but you yourself labelling chavs as trouble causers shows you are just as bigoted and prejudiced as the people you criticise.
Hang on, I thought us emos/goths/moshers were trouble making yobs? Make your mind up LET. How come the article doesn\'t mention the gang who were chasing the goths with bottles.. the chavs more than likely. LET are simply like the chavs and most people. They attack and stereotype the goths and emos into things they aren\'t. Simply because they are too ignorant to understand.
Ben, Waterfoot says...
10:26am Mon 22 Oct 07
One other difference, emos and goths were stereotyped as 'yobs' for no reason other than their clothing.
I have been beaten up, spat at, had objects flung at me, not to mention verbal abuse EVERY day. And they are ALWAYS chavs on the other end of this.
But, I am not prejudice to chavs, I have chav friends. But all the people who cause me grief for my clothing and style are chavs.
BJ, Burnley says...
10:34am Mon 22 Oct 07
Adamsky wrote:Yes but unfortunately he's right. The majority of tribal people such as goths tend to be more thoughtful and intelligent than your average feral youth. Following the LET's report about the gatherings in Blackburn, several of the people involved responded with calm and well-reasoned arguments. Notice that the shell-suit brigade never respond. Probably becasue they can't string an intelligible sentence together.
Ben wrote: Hang on, I thought us emos/goths/moshers were trouble making yobs? Make your mind up LET. How come the article doesn\'t mention the gang who were chasing the goths with bottles.. the chavs more than likely. LET are simply like the chavs and most people. They attack and stereotype the goths and emos into things they aren\'t. Simply because they are too ignorant to understand.And Ben, surely you can see that by saying 'don't label goths as trouble causers' but you yourself labelling chavs as trouble causers shows you are just as bigoted and prejudiced as the people you criticise.
concerned father, blackburn says...
11:33am Mon 22 Oct 07
Goths and emos have as far as I'm aware not caused any trouble at all and they should be left to gather in a peaceful way wherever. You don't move on any other large groups. Show some responsibilty LET or do you just employ hacks appealing to the hang 'em high in my day we gave them 12 of the birch brigade
nobby, . says...
12:11pm Mon 22 Oct 07
BJ wrote:Just haven't managed to steal themselves a working computer yet.
Adamsky wrote:Yes but unfortunately he's right. The majority of tribal people such as goths tend to be more thoughtful and intelligent than your average feral youth. Following the LET's report about the gatherings in Blackburn, several of the people involved responded with calm and well-reasoned arguments. Notice that the shell-suit brigade never respond. Probably becasue they can't string an intelligible sentence together.Ben wrote: Hang on, I thought us emos/goths/moshers were trouble making yobs? Make your mind up LET. How come the article doesn\'t mention the gang who were chasing the goths with bottles.. the chavs more than likely. LET are simply like the chavs and most people. They attack and stereotype the goths and emos into things they aren\'t. Simply because they are too ignorant to understand.And Ben, surely you can see that by saying 'don't label goths as trouble causers' but you yourself labelling chavs as trouble causers shows you are just as bigoted and prejudiced as the people you criticise.
EB, Haslingden says...
12:27pm Mon 22 Oct 07
It both saddens and sickens me.
R, S, East Lancs says...
12:30pm Mon 22 Oct 07
I see my comments about cheap sensationalism has been deleted. I didn't realise the LET was beyond reproach.
Good to know that Stalin is still alive and living in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph office!
To tell you the truth; whoever deleted my rather mild critique has shown very poor judgement and should take a long hard look at themselves - maybe even consider opting for a career well away from journalism.
loon, Home says...
12:30pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Old Fogey, Ossy says...
12:31pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Voice of Reason, Huncoat says...
12:38pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Austin, Mill Hill says...
12:38pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Last week's "Goth yob MENACE" story was a pathetic example of nasty, tabloid, lazy journalism at it's worst.
In light of the recent murder in Bacup, and the continued attacks on these kids (who are just minding their own business) you would have hoped that the LET would have had more sense than to fan the flames of goth bashing, but I suppose the need to fill a front page with an attention grabbing headline is more important than a few kid's safety eh?
Pathetic.
Voice of Reason, Huncoat says...
12:43pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Ben, Waterfoot says...
1:00pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Voice of Reason wrote:I don't see what that has to do with this subject. Hardly a reason to attack them, is it?
If all goths are non-conformists, how come they all dress the same and listen to the same music?
Roger Stevens, Blackburn says...
1:05pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Austin wrote:Do you REALLY think that the sort of idiots who carry out these attacks read the L.E.T ?
The LET should show some responsibility for it's actions. Last week's "Goth yob MENACE" story was a pathetic example of nasty, tabloid, lazy journalism at it's worst. In light of the recent murder in Bacup, and the continued attacks on these kids (who are just minding their own business) you would have hoped that the LET would have had more sense than to fan the flames of goth bashing, but I suppose the need to fill a front page with an attention grabbing headline is more important than a few kid's safety eh? Pathetic.
Do me a favour.
They probably haven't read anything in years, even if they can read at all.
But of course, having said that, the L.E.T. article was rubbish - ill informed journalism at its worst. The individual who wrote it deserves be sanctioned for writing nonsense.
Austin, Mill Hill says...
1:05pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Voice of Reason wrote:Ummm...no, where did I suggest that..?
So Austin in Mill Hill is advocating censorship is he?
Truthful journalism would be helpful - anyone with half a brain who visits B'Burn town centre can see that these kids aren't bothering anyone.
I suppose you can't see the link between a sensationalist, ill founded story like last week's, and ongoing reports of kids getting beaten up because of the way that they're dressed then?
gdf, says...
1:25pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Loop, Here says...
1:57pm Mon 22 Oct 07
andy, spain says...
1:58pm Mon 22 Oct 07
I hope the cops get these people who have just started on these Goth Kids for no apparent reason at all.
Whats the betting the real yobs not the ones that the LET tried to portray over a week ago are the Burberry Wearing Type? Does that mean I can kick the hell out of a few Chavs next time I visit Burnley? Answer is NO of course.
I know a number of Goths in Burnley and the surrounding area they are generaly nice young people.
Headlines like the LET do not help matters it would appear that the kids in Blackburn where doing what kids all over the world do thats hanging about and being kids. Who was the boring old F art calling these kids YOBS in the LET? You can bet hes had kids of his own in the past they have all grown up now so he wants peace and quiet. Sorry Pal it don't work like that in the real world. My advice to him get a f ucking life.
Loop, Here says...
2:03pm Mon 22 Oct 07
SaintJimmy, Padiham says...
2:16pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Ben, Waterfoot says...
2:26pm Mon 22 Oct 07
SaintJimmy wrote:I can echo this.
I am one of the beaten and i am glad to finally see a decent article about this. The amount of attacks is increasing and it annoys me that we are the ones who are considered yobs. I is also good to see people sticking up for us, we are the minority and we are getting picked on. All of my friends who are mosher/goth/emo are all intelligent, fun young adults and we dont deserve this.
I want to know where all the emos, goths and moshers are where i live (Edgeside near Rawtenstall).. I feel like i'm on my own sometimes.
siren, **** says...
2:27pm Mon 22 Oct 07
and the people who did this to us should get what they deserve
Ben, Waterfoot says...
2:30pm Mon 22 Oct 07
siren wrote:I was hoping that the Sophie tragedy would shed light on who the real yobs are but then there's an article of pure fabrication saying that the emos are yobs.
i am the girl that was there at the attack and it wasnt very nice seeing ur friends being beaten with sticks its is very rare that u hear of a group of moshers attacking a group of chav and beating them with sticks and i doubt u will here that just coz we dress different doesnt mean that we deserve to get a beating. i carnt believe the LET wrote that article maybe now people can see who the reall "yobs" are
and the people who did this to us should get what they deserve
Wheres the probably not so fabricated article on the chav yobs that loiter around Bacup? And in all the parks. That scare alot more people that a bunch of emos is skinny jeans will do.
Alt, Lancaster says...
2:40pm Mon 22 Oct 07
SaintJimmy / Loop I would be interested in getting some more details on your experience of living in Burnley if you can spare the time. email me on alterophobia at gmail.com
Ben, Waterfoot says...
2:49pm Mon 22 Oct 07
About a year ago I was in Manchester and my friend turned up bleeding from the mouth, nose and side of his head thanks to an attack because he's 'goth'.
I myself have been attacked countless times. Thankfully, it's never been serious.
It's not just something that happens in Lancashire though, as i'm sure everyone is aware. I was visiting a friend in Pontefract last year and I was targeted by chavs for no reason at all. I didn't know them, i'd never even been there before.
AD, Bacup says...
2:53pm Mon 22 Oct 07
I agree with all the comments that the chavs responsible will probably not have bought the telegraph themselves, but they have bought into the yobbish culture that prevails in this part of Lancashire. The paper went totally downhill when it hired that loudmouth harridan called Margo Grimshaw. I first read her weekly rant on October 8, 2002 and she was moaning that Jim Bowen had left BBC radio Lancashire because he had used the word nignog and defending his right to use the term. What an ignorant woman and what an igmnorant editor.
georgia, home says...
3:19pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Paul, Burnley says...
3:20pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Ben, At this time: Bacup says...
3:27pm Mon 22 Oct 07
I work across the road from Bacup Leisure Hall, so people who know the area know it's not a long trek.
On the way there, chavs saw me and hurled abuse at me, including 'batty boy'. That would never have bothered me, but after hearing of these increasing attacks I suddenly feared for my own safety as I saw there was 20 of these chavs.. and one of me.
Quickly I was in the co-op, but soon I was out again.
This time I walked past them coming the opposite direction on the side where the big red/purple/pink (ever changing with the light) section of my hair was visible to them.
One of the chavs yelled out 'You're next fag!'
I don't know what he means by that but I was suddenly feeling very uneasy and wanted to get out of there as soon as I can.
This isn't anywhere near the first time this has happened as chavs usually yell abuse at me pretty much every day.
I'm looking to move into the city (Manchester) soon where emos and goths are more accepted.
Paul Cockerton, Lancashire Telegraph web editor says...
3:49pm Mon 22 Oct 07
R, S wrote:RB: No comments have been deleted from this story. As outlined in my post above, the previous, shorter version of this story was mistakenly deleted, together with the relevant reader comments, but we are trying to resurrect them. I have not heard back from our programmers as to whether this will happen. We only delete comments which are "abusive, indecent, unlawful or defamatory". We do not (intentionally) delete comments which merely criticise the Lancashire Telegraph.
Blimey! I see my comments about cheap sensationalism has been deleted. I didn't realise the LET was beyond reproach. Good to know that Stalin is still alive and living in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph office! To tell you the truth; whoever deleted my rather mild critique has shown very poor judgement and should take a long hard look at themselves - maybe even consider opting for a career well away from journalism.
Adamsky, says...
3:59pm Mon 22 Oct 07
rosie, burnley says...
4:05pm Mon 22 Oct 07
t people,,,,shame they are judged on the way they look,,,,,,
Adamsky, says...
4:22pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Adamsky wrote:Sorry, I forgot to say the most important thing - get well soon to those who were beaten up.
So chavs are too stupid to string a sentence together or turn on a computer, according to the posters on here, but on the other hand they spend all their time reading the Lancashire Telegraph website getting all worked up for attacking goths? Everyone here needs to grow up and admit they're just as one-eyed and bigoted as the people they dismiss from atop their high horse.
R,S, East Lancs says...
4:38pm Mon 22 Oct 07
We do not (intentionally) delete comments which merely criticise the Lancashire Telegraph.
Paul Cockerton: I didn't see your post on the subject while I was posting at lunchtime and I owe you an apology.
Concerned citizen, Audley says...
5:15pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Ben wrote:Feel free to pop into the local police station and report these incidents.
Well I just took my dinner from work. I work in Bacup and went to the Co-Op. I work across the road from Bacup Leisure Hall, so people who know the area know it\'s not a long trek. On the way there, chavs saw me and hurled abuse at me, including \'batty boy\'. That would never have bothered me, but after hearing of these increasing attacks I suddenly feared for my own safety as I saw there was 20 of these chavs.. and one of me. Quickly I was in the co-op, but soon I was out again. This time I walked past them coming the opposite direction on the side where the big red/purple/pink (ever changing with the light) section of my hair was visible to them. One of the chavs yelled out \'You\'re next fag!\' I don\'t know what he means by that but I was suddenly feeling very uneasy and wanted to get out of there as soon as I can. This isn\'t anywhere near the first time this has happened as chavs usually yell abuse at me pretty much every day. I\'m looking to move into the city (Manchester) soon where emos and goths are more accepted.
Dave, Darwen says...
5:16pm Mon 22 Oct 07
BJ, Burnley says...
5:23pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Concerned citizen wrote:What, so the police can send somebody round next Thursday???
Ben wrote: Well I just took my dinner from work. I work in Bacup and went to the Co-Op. I work across the road from Bacup Leisure Hall, so people who know the area know it\'s not a long trek. On the way there, chavs saw me and hurled abuse at me, including \'batty boy\'. That would never have bothered me, but after hearing of these increasing attacks I suddenly feared for my own safety as I saw there was 20 of these chavs.. and one of me. Quickly I was in the co-op, but soon I was out again. This time I walked past them coming the opposite direction on the side where the big red/purple/pink (ever changing with the light) section of my hair was visible to them. One of the chavs yelled out \'You\'re next fag!\' I don\'t know what he means by that but I was suddenly feeling very uneasy and wanted to get out of there as soon as I can. This isn\'t anywhere near the first time this has happened as chavs usually yell abuse at me pretty much every day. I\'m looking to move into the city (Manchester) soon where emos and goths are more accepted.Feel free to pop into the local police station and report these incidents.
Six Gabriel at The Liscard Alternative, Wirral says...
5:37pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Good.
Like all youth cultures,each one has its uniform. Mods and Rockers, punks and skins, goths and emos,even chavs...it is NOT a basis for verbal abuse assault and murder.
P.S. I'm a goth but am currently wearing a red and white Norway Biathlon (winter sports) shirt... Does that make ME non-conformist? lol. It must do as I'm not in black...oh please! Clothes are just clothes and make up is just make up;it's what the people DO whilst wearing this stuff that is important. Not all chavs are crims:not all Goths are Trenchcoat Killers. Balance and understanding is needed here.Bottom line is that reports like the Thursday anti-Alt one would not have been considered good copy if it had been about ethnic or eligious minorities,so why cultural minorities?
However I do have to say that I do not hear of "Alts" bashing "chavs"; but this worm will turn soon enough should these attacks escalate and the police continue to have no legislation with which to prosecute Alt hate crime perpetrators :S
Get well soon,guys.
And don't hide away,go out together; be seen ; be strong and proud!
Khristian Rainford, Liverpool says...
5:43pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Maybe they had a negative experience in the past, but a true Goth believes more in peaceful means and method of leaving. Anyone who is against against Goth is behind with the times and has got the complete wrong idea, lets say 30 years now. The MAIN problem is with these asbos/skallies. They attack people for being different and they get away with it because they know they're under age. I myself and friends have been attacked, had insults, things thrown at us because of the way we dress. I think thats the key problem. These yobs are allowed to get away with anything. Once I've got attacked outside my own house by 6 people. And I know what it could be like to try and identify these people with the worry they could come back to your own house one day. A law has got to be passed. surely its a form of racism, attacking a culture because of the way they're dressed and for their tastes. Please we need a law to end all of these attacks. In the names of all the innocent, beautiful, people with their own minds especially Sophie, something needs to be done, or this will go on and on.
Tracey, Kent says...
5:48pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Raven, USA says...
5:53pm Mon 22 Oct 07
I am at a loss for words as to why "goths" are comming under attack. When I lived in the UK in the 80's, freedom of expression was encouraged.
My heart goes out to the friends and loved ones of the survivors, and those mounring the loss of Sophie Lancaster. Sending prayers for justice in catching these pathetic perpatrators and may your government treat them with the harsh punishment they have earned.
Tracey, Kent says...
5:53pm Mon 22 Oct 07
gov.uk/goth-hatecrim
es/
A petition to get this type of attack included under the term 'hate crime' so it can be properly prosecuted. As Six Gabriel expressed an interest. :)
Ed, Birmingham says...
6:06pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Ed, Birmingham says...
6:18pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Six Gabriel at The Liscard Alternative, Wirral says...
6:38pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Being underage should no longer be a defence...attacks like this are NOT an isloated minority.
I run a charity online and soon be opened Centre for all Alt kids an LBGTs to come to chat shop make music watch films get self defence lessons,have gigs etc etc (The Liscard Alternative)and have been reading with horror as these attcks become common enough to be 'newsworthy' and wondering how many more human beings will be attacked and even killed before decent legal proceedings are brought in to tackle it...
kate, haslingden says...
6:42pm Mon 22 Oct 07
moryofsophie pe inmemoryofsophie@hot
mail.co.uk
and let us know how you are.
We want to make sure this prejudice and violence stops.
To all the adults out there who work with young people, please be aware that comments about the length of their hair(on boys) orremarks about their clothes, legitimises the further abuse they suffer away from adult ears and eyes. My friends son is always being asked by a very experienced teacher when he's getting his hair cut, which encourages others to join in, leaving him more vunerable for expressing himself.
The journalist's use of language and descriptions can also be seen as inflammitory, so please be careful about the use of "gangs", "yobs" and other through away remarks that can lead to further upset.
Reporting on the attacks is vital to make it known what's really happening out there. it's been happening for years but the police see it as fights between people rather than attacks. My sons and their friends have encoutered many a thump or worse for looking "different" but the police have never seen it as one sided. They think there has to have been a reason. Hopefully with the awareness of what Sophie and Rob had to be subjected to, they are learning that's not the case.
Please report such abuse, insist its taken seriously and as I've said before, if your child comes home and tells you they were abused, listen to them and report it.
SOPHIE is already doing its job by drawing attention to the reporting and unneccesary use of sensationalist language by journalists.
please support our campaign
emma, birmingham says...
7:37pm Mon 22 Oct 07
wake up people!!!! this is a big problem and a lot of people take what newspapers say as gospel ... so maybe urselves should think twice before submitting articles of negativity towards people who dress differently!!!!
Carl Robson, Warrington says...
7:39pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Voice of Reason wrote:how come all people who think they are clever say all goths look the same. If you said it about black or asian people you would be considered bigotted.
If all goths are non-conformists, how come they all dress the same and listen to the same music?
And when you say goth, do you mean perky goth, mopey goth, cyber goth, trad goth, loligoth, vampire enthusiast, heavy metaller or tax inspector? They all wear a lot of black, but the vampire enthusiast thinks he can suck blood. The tax inspector actually can.
And yes, this black humour from a goth. We aren't all miserable sods, but at the moment we are angry as hell.
Roger Stevens, Blackburn says...
7:48pm Mon 22 Oct 07
In the 70's it was punk and skinheads.
There will always be inter-groupo conflict with teens. Its a form of teenage tribalism and a search for group identity.
Chavs are nothing new - the mindless low-IQ freaks in society have to group together - that way they can muster enough collective brain cells to perform simple functions like learning how to open cans of lager and unscrew the tops off vodka bottles and take the cellophane of a packet of embassy.
Such lower life forms will always be with us - we should all be grateful because without them normal people wouldn't realise how intelligent they are.
Sadly, the chav has learnt how to breed, and turn on the tv, so we have to have Big Brother and Telletubbies.
ACP, Spokane Valley, WA, US says...
7:57pm Mon 22 Oct 07
"Obviously there are always minor skirmishes between kids, but fortunately this kind of thing isn't too common, and we want to keep it that way.
It shouldn't be happening at all. Ms. Lancaster was lost in a senseless manner, and her boyfriend barely escaped with his life. These other youngsters might of ended up the same way.
It seems the attackers were moved by what they saw on the outside instead of from what I've come to know, as some very good people. Mr. C. Robson, very well put!
Aisha, Blackburn says...
8:24pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Roger Stevens wrote:Brilliant post!
In the 1960's it was mods and rockers - they used to cause havoc around Southend and Frinton. In the 70's it was punk and skinheads. There will always be inter-groupo conflict with teens. Its a form of teenage tribalism and a search for group identity. Chavs are nothing new - the mindless low-IQ freaks in society have to group together - that way they can muster enough collective brain cells to perform simple functions like learning how to open cans of lager and unscrew the tops off vodka bottles and take the cellophane of a packet of embassy. Such lower life forms will always be with us - we should all be grateful because without them normal people wouldn't realise how intelligent they are. Sadly, the chav has learnt how to breed, and turn on the tv, so we have to have Big Brother and Telletubbies.
Spidey, Midlands says...
8:31pm Mon 22 Oct 07
Zoe, Sheffield says...
1:01am Tue 23 Oct 07
In the 1960's it was mods and rockers - they used to cause havoc around Southend and Frinton.
In the 70's it was punk and skinheads.
There will always be inter-groupo conflict with teens. Its a form of teenage tribalism and a search for group identity.
The difference now is that with chavs and alternative people, the violence is entirely one-sided. This isn't two rival gangs at each other's throats, we're talking about groups of chavs ganging up on individuals or smaller groups of alternative kids.
Equality is for ALL, THE REAL WORLD says...
1:10am Tue 23 Oct 07
A number of "emo's and goth's" were harassed, verbally abused, and chased (with the intent to cause arm) outside Blackburn College this evening by a group of 20+ Asians. This was simply because of the way the "Emo's and Goth's" dressed.
Now print that, or would it upset to many.
EQUALITY FOR ALL NOT THE CHOSEN FEW.
THE ***PEN IS MIGHTIER*** THAN THE SWORD.
It's time to start reporting on behalf of the public or go out of business due to shoddy reporting. Comments of this are evidence of how poor you have supported this cultural group.
Sian, Birmingham says...
9:07am Tue 23 Oct 07
A teacher, Northants says...
9:48am Tue 23 Oct 07
Quite coincidentally this seems to be the music of choice for most goths/emos etc. I wonder what this may tell us about the intellectual capacity of goths/emos???
Alternately an anecdotal tale to amuse you all- one of my colleagues' daughters had a sleepover as month or two ago- the only child there to offer to help tidy up or do anything to help around the house was....the goth! Fancy that...
Roger Stevens, Blackburn says...
11:59am Tue 23 Oct 07
Zoe wrote:Ok.
In the 1960's it was mods and rockers - they used to cause havoc around Southend and Frinton. In the 70's it was punk and skinheads. There will always be inter-groupo conflict with teens. Its a form of teenage tribalism and a search for group identity.The difference now is that with chavs and alternative people, the violence is entirely one-sided. This isn't two rival gangs at each other's throats, we're talking about groups of chavs ganging up on individuals or smaller groups of alternative kids.
Yes I take your point.
Ben, Bacp says...
12:07pm Tue 23 Oct 07
I'm off for my lunch again soon today.. not looking forward to it :(
Roger stevens, Blackburn says...
12:26pm Tue 23 Oct 07
Ben wrote:Never heard of video cameras ? Some small digicams take reasonable videos and are relatively small - the Fuji Finepix z1, or z3 for example.
Well if anyone saw what I posted yesterday afternoon about my short trip for dinner and back (5 minutes) and the abuse I got. You probably won\'t be surprised that I got more abuse last night. I\'m off for my lunch again soon today.. not looking forward to it :(
Or even a mobile phone though the quality is rubbish.
Get it all on film video and you have evidence. Just complaining on L.E.T. is a waste of time you know.
This is the age of cheap technology - use it.
Ben, Bacup says...
12:42pm Tue 23 Oct 07
hatever go through this stuff every day.
And we are the ones called yobs in the other article. I think it's a disgrace.
belfast paul, barnsley says...
1:44pm Tue 23 Oct 07
the "goth" and so forth kids where nothing but polite both to the festivalgoers and staff,and as anyone with a brain knows cultural or collective forms of hate are not to be condoned at any level.
arachne, Poland says...
10:02pm Sat 27 Oct 07
Bill Cox, Swindon says...
12:26pm Wed 31 Oct 07
I must say it has always been the same in East Lancs. Anyone who is any different has always been attacked like I was when I lived there. I regularly had abuse and violence on the Booly from the 'normal' element in Blackburn. I think that a lot of people vote with their feet and go to places less bigoted and more acceepting of people who dress, dehave or think differently.
It's tragic that elements of the population in East Lancs are so marginalised and full of hate that they think it is Ok to kill a young woman for nothing more than enforcing their narrow ingnorance and stuntted world view.
The society has a lot to answer for for the frightful education and cultural desert that produces such hateful people. These people do not appear in a vacuum the reasons for their hate and attitudes are not hard to discover. The society marginalises and starves them of the resources for a decent education and cultural life. What more do you expect?
karen fletcher, ramsbottom says...
3:57pm Sun 4 Nov 07
I lit a candle in the notre dame cathederal for Sophie yesterday.
I must say that I dont feel the goths are intimidating in anyway. The shell suited individuals however, I find to be always wanting to impress others around them by showing how anti social and violent they are to others provided o course that they have 15 of their so called friends as back up never tough enough to go it alone.
Maria, Norfolk says...
2:34pm Tue 11 Mar 08
Roger Stevens wrote:I hate using the word because I hate labelling people, but myself and my friends are chavvy and we are not thick, I work and I am in 6th form. I was also shocked and saddened to hear of this horrific crime on Sophie and Robert, does that mean I am not a chav? I don't think it's right labelling a whole group of DIFFERENT people as chavs or goths or whatever. Its stereotyping.
In the 1960's it was mods and rockers - they used to cause havoc around Southend and Frinton. In the 70's it was punk and skinheads. There will always be inter-groupo conflict with teens. Its a form of teenage tribalism and a search for group identity. Chavs are nothing new - the mindless low-IQ freaks in society have to group together - that way they can muster enough collective brain cells to perform simple functions like learning how to open cans of lager and unscrew the tops off vodka bottles and take the cellophane of a packet of embassy. Such lower life forms will always be with us - we should all be grateful because without them normal people wouldn't realise how intelligent they are. Sadly, the chav has learnt how to breed, and turn on the tv, so we have to have Big Brother and Telletubbies.
All we know is the people who did this are sick in the head and need locking up, whatever minority they've come from
Tracey, Scotland says...
4:42pm Thu 13 Mar 08
In this section
- Burnley firms secures £850,000 museum contract
- Nelson drugs minder ordered to repay £30,000
- Clitheroe cinema stalwart dies, aged 81
- East Lancashire star Diana Vickers lands West End role
- Traders want increased police patrols in Nelson
- Barlick police call for public backing to shut down 'party houses'
- Chorley councillor's ‘Asian bullies’ e-mail probe
- Man charged after armed raid at Blackburn jewellers
- Council bosses accused of 'killing' Blackburn festivals
- Blackburn teen needs emergency op for brain tumour
Sponsored Links
Local advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
adam, blackburn says...
10:16pm Sun 21 Oct 07