London: Police make fifth arrest in connection with anti-gay ‘Muslim Patrol’ probe
A fifth person has been arrested after a gang claiming to be Islamic vigilantes tormented members of the public, which included hurling homophobic abuse at a young man.
When the victim asks: “Why are you bothering me?” A member of the group responds: “Because you’re walking through a Muslim area dressed like a fag mate. You need to get out of here.”
The man is then described as “dirty” a “fag” and a “mug”.
On Thursday, the Metropolitan Police urged the victim to come forward as “a crucial witness”.
In a second video, also posted online, men from the gang in Whitechapel tell another man “no drink in this area, it’s a Muslim area” before ordering him to pour away his alcohol.
A 17-year-old boy was held this morning in Walthamstow, north-east London and is being questioned.
Five men have now been arrested as part of the investigation.
On Sunday 20 January, a 22-year-old was held in Acton, west London and released on bail until 12 March.
The following day, a 19-year-old was arrested after he went to an east London police station and was bailed until 11 March.
Yesterday, two men aged 25 and 29 were arrested and remain in custody at police stations in east London.
All of those arrested were held on suspicion of GBH and public order offences.
