Thugs push gay man into the road and beat him senseless – twice – in ‘vicious homophobic attack’ in central London
The homophobic attack occurred in Piccadilly Circus in the heart of London (James Paterson/N-Photo Magazine/Future/Getty)
London police are appealing for witnesses after a man was pushed into the road and assaulted what is believed to be an attack motivated by vile homophobia.
The incident of homophobia occurred on one of the busiest streets in central London, just outside the Piccadilly Circus Underground station.
The victim, 37, was heading towards the station shortly at approximately 2.15am on March 3. Seeing that the Tube station appeared to be closed, he approached three men standing nearby to confirm this.
One of the men then shouted at the victim, using homophobic language. The three men then walked up to the man and pushed him into the road. They then proceeded to assault him as he lay defenceless on the ground.
The victim managed to run across the road towards the Hard Rock Café, where three men followed him and attacked him for a second time before leaving the scene in the direction of Shaftesbury Avenue.
The victim was taken to hospital and later released. He sustained bruising as a result of the homophobic attack.
The three men are all thought to be in their early 20s and may be of Middle Eastern appearance. One of the men was wearing a distinctive light wash denim jacket with a white trim on the collar.
Investigating officer, detective constable John McNally, said: “This was a completely unprovoked and vicious assault on the victim, seemingly motivated by homophobia. Though thankfully not seriously injured, the victim has understandably been left very shaken by the incident.
“The Met takes a zero tolerance approach to homophobic crime; it is absolutely unacceptable that anyone should feel intimidated to go about their daily lives due to their sexual orientation.”
Three men – all aged 21 years old – have been arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm. All have since been released under investigation.
If you have any information about this incident please call 101 quoting CAD 575/03March or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
