Police are releasing images of six men they want to speak to in connection with a homophobic assault in east London.
The incident happened at approximately 17:30hrs on Sunday, 1 October when the two victims, both men aged in their 20s, were walking along High Road, Chadwell Heath.
It was then reported that a group of up to six unknown men were verbally abusive towards the both men and made threats.
A man from the group then struck one of the victims on the head with a plank of wood.
The victim suffered cuts and bruises as a result of the incident.
He went to hospital for treatment and was discharged shortly after.
The second victim was not injured, however the pair were understandably distressed.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances; due to the comments made prior to the assault this incident is being treated as a homophobic hate crime.
No arrests have been made and enquires continue.
The Met is aware of the corrosive effect of hate crime and is determined to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.
A dedicated LGBTQ+ liaison officer will have oversight of the investigation and provide support to the victims.
Any witnesses or anyone with any information or footage is asked to call police on 101 or contact via ‘X’ Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 5640/01OCT.
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
