A gay couple were attacked and beaten up by a violent gang of teenagers while out walking their dog, it is claimed.
The horrific ordeal lasted over a minute and they were kicked, stoned and subjected to vile homophobic abuse during the incident in Drogheda, Co Louth. Gardai are aware of the matter but no formal complaint has been made to them yet by the victims.
A shocked Ivan Miadini and his husband also told how rocks were thrown at them and that the youngsters threatened to rape their dog. He then bravely filmed the attack on his mobile and has posted the video online to see if the public can help identify the culprits.
He told the Michael Reade Show on local LMFM Radio: "I didn't film with the intention of sharing it with the Garda. I think there is another way to go here.
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"I am sharing this with various outlets with people I know to share it among themselves so we can find out who these people are and see what their situation is. I really want to know before taking this further down the line.
"They started throwing punches and rocks, even bigger rocks. It all happened so fast, like in a minute. The vitriol, the things that they were saying because worse, even accusing us of being paedophiles."
A local Garda source said they are aware of the video online and that it was a "shocking" attack. He said he hopes the couple come forward and make an official complaint and that the culprits are caught.
He added: "These teenage gangs should not get away with this. There is no excuse for such vile homophobic and racist abuse."
It is believed one of the couple involved is Polish and they have been living in the area for a long time. One suffered a broken nose and both were severely traumatised by the incident.
They were also called "f****ts and queers" by their attackers.
They also could not believe the youths hurled stones at them like a scene from the Old Testament.
Drogheda Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster has spoken to the two men and condemned the attack. She fumed: "These are two law abiding citizens going out for a walk with their dog when they are attacked in broad daylight because of who they are.
"It was a horrible experience for them and absolutely wrong. Who do these gang of thugs think they are? They must be tracked down and brought to justice for what they did.
"Under no circumstances should these thugs get away with this. It was a frightening incident and everyone in Drogheda is shocked and angry."
The incident follows a recent homophobic attack on a 14-year-old schoolboy in nearby Navan by another gang of youths.
Each of them were later identified and arrested by Gardai and charges are expected to be brought against them soon.
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