- The suspects are described as four black men aged between 20 and 25
Crime Desk
Police in Camden are appealing for information and witnesses following a suspected homophobic assault on Monday 14 February.
At approximately 02:15hrs, a man, aged 36 years, was assaulted near Camden Lock Bridge, Camden NW1. The victim had spent the evening with friends in The Black Cap. Shortly after leaving the venue with two friends, he was approached by a group of four men. One of the suspects asked the victim 'Are you gay?', and after being ignored the suspect walked off. Minutes later the suspect returned and stabbed the victim in his chest and leg.
The victim was taken to a Central London hospital where his condition is described as stable.
Although police believe this assault was a homophobic attack, it is being treated as an isolated incident. Additional police patrols are being conducted within the area by Safer Neighbourhoods officers. Police LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Liaison officers have visited local venues to reassure the LGBT community.
Detective Inspector Les Newman, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a cowardly and unprovoked attack on three innocent males making their way home. This is being treated as a homophobic incident, and the investigation team is working closely with the local community to identify those responsible. We urge anyone who was in the area and may have seen something to contact Camden police on 020 8733 6474 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Acting Sergeant Aaron Clarke, Camden Police LGBT Liaison Officer, said: "Attacks of this nature are, thankfully, rare but affect the whole community in which they take place. We are working alongside the investigation team and with our external partners to ensure that the concerns of the local and LGBT communities are addressed quickly. We are also providing constant support and advice to the victims."
The suspects are described as four black men aged between 20 and 25.
Members of the LGBT community who wish to speak with police or report a crime can do so via a dedicated Police LGBT Liaison Officer - freephone 0800 328 2509 - or anonymously via the Camden LGBT Forum on 020 7470 8760. Third Party crime reporting forms are also available in most gay venues.
