A 19-year-old man who was arrested in connection with a homophobic attack on two men outside the Two Brewers in Clapham has been released on bail.
The suspect was apprehended in South Norwood on Thursday afternoon on suspicion of two counts of grievous bodily harm (GBH). After being taken into custody, he was later released on bail pending further investigations.
Detective Superintendent Vanessa Britton, Central South Command Unit, stated, “The two victims have been informed and continue to be supported by our officers, including our dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO).”
Britton expressed awareness of the distress and concern that this heinous incident has caused within the LGBT+ community. She reassured Londoners that a team of officers is diligently working to investigate the matter and urged witnesses or individuals with pertinent information to come forward.
The attack occurred around 22:15 on Sunday, August 13, when the two men were standing outside a nightclub. They were approached by an assailant wielding a knife, who subsequently fled the scene. Both victims, in their 20s and 30s, were transported to a hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.
Police are actively pursuing leads provided by witnesses and members of the public as part of their ongoing investigation.
PC Hayley Jones, the dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Lambeth and Southwark, emphasised the importance of her role in supporting and advising the community in cases involving homophobia and transphobia. She encouraged individuals to reach out for assistance, advice, or to provide information related to the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the police at 101 or via Twitter @MetCC, quoting CAD 7198/13Aug. Information can also be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
For those wishing to contact the Lambeth and Southwark LGBT+ CLO, they can reach PC Hayley Jones at 07825101104 or via email at [email protected].
