07 September 2023 , 20:33
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Police have arrested a man over an alleged homophobic attack on two men outside a nightclub in London.
The 19-year-old man was spoken to by police in South Norwood this afternoon on suspicion of two counts of GBH and taken into custody after the alleged attack outside the Two Brewers in Clapham last month.
Two men were approached by a man who attacked them with a knife before running away during the incident at around 22.15pm on August 13, said the Metropolitan Police. Both men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.
Detective Superintendent Vanessa Britton, Central South Command Unit, said: "This arrest marks a significant development in our investigation. The two victims have been informed and continue to be supported by our officers, including our dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO).
"I know the concern and distress this horrific incident has caused among the LGBT+ community and I want to reassure them - and Londoners as a whole - that a team of officers is working diligently to investigate." Officers continue to follow-up a number of lines of enquiry provided by witnesses and members of the public, said a police statement.
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PC Hayley Jones, who is the dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Lambeth and Southwark, added: “We understand some people from the LGBT+ community may not have the confidence to speak to police; my role was introduced to provide a dedicated LGBT+ point of contact to support the community and advise on investigations where homophobia and transphobia is a motive. You can contact me directly for advice and support, or to assist this investigation.”
The Metropolitan Police stated that anyone with information over the incident outside the Two Brewers should contact 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug. It added: "You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."