Police: Man burgled by cattle prod-wielding assailants he met on Grindr
Police have issued CCTV images of two men they seek to identify, after a man was assaulted and robbed in his home by two men, one of who he met on Grindr.
The CCTV images were issued today by detectives, after the aggravated burglary in London’s Westminster.
On Sunday 28 September at around 5.20pm, the 26-year-old victim was assaulted and robbed of cash, and a laptop.
The victim had met a man via gay social app Grindr, and arranged for him to come to his home in Queensborough Terrace.
The first suspect arrived at the victim’s home at 5pm, and spent a lot of time texting, before announcing he would leave, and being shown the door.
When the victim opened the door to let him out, he was greeted by a second man who threatened him with what was described as a cattle prod.
He was pushed back inside his flat, threatened with the weapon and had his laptop and cash stolen.
Detective Constable April Smart, Westminster CID, said: “The victim thankfully did not suffer serious physical injuries but has been left very shaken by this incident.
“I am keen to identify the two suspects as soon as possible and I am appealing to anyone who may know who they are to contact the police.
“Whilst we have not connected this incident to any other reported to us, I must consider that the suspects could have committed this type of offence previously, and I would appeal to anyone who may have been a victim of this type of offence, to contact the police, where they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the LGBT community that we are doing everything we can to arrest these men and have followed and eliminated a number of potential leads and enquiries to date.
“I would urge everyone who uses the services of online dating apps and sites to take steps to help them to stay safe whilst meeting strangers. Tips on how to stay safe can be found atwww.lgf.org.uk/information-
Suspect one, is described as white, slim build and in his mid-20’s. He has short fair/blonde hair. Suspect two is described as white, late-20’s of medium build and bald.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them on 020 7321 7513, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
