Police send reassurance message following homophobic bleach attack in London
London police have sent a message of reassurance after three people were sprayed in the face with bleach in a homophobic attack outside a nightclub.
After issuing CCTV images, two women came forward but were not arrested. Police are still searching for one man in connection with the attack.
The women were said to have hurled homophobic abuse at the victims before the man apparently sprayed the solution in their faces.
The message sent late on Wednesday pledges that police will deal with the attack, which took place in Vauxhall, Lambeth, on Sunday, “robustly”, and says the area is “no place for hate and a safe place for all.”
It states: “Lambeth has many diverse and vibrant communities and is a popular and safe destination for thousands of visitors every day from across London and further afield.
“Communities working with the police do not tolerate violence, hate crime or discrimination towards anyone and when there is, sadly, an isolated incident such as that which took place last Sunday; it will be dealt with robustly by the police in partnership with the wider community.
“Lambeth is no place for hate and a safe place for all.”
Chief Superintendent Richard Wood, Lambeth Borough Commander said: “Lambeth police understand that although unusual the assaults in Vauxhall may leave some communities in particular the LGBT community anxious and concerned however we will together with our partners to protect and serve this community. The Metropolitan Police Service will take a robust approach to those who commit crimes motivated by any form of hate or discrimination”.
The message goes on to encourage anyone who has been the victim of or witness in a crime to contact the Police via 101 or to speak to Victim Support or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
