Six people have been arrested after a man was hit on the head with a plank of wood in a homophobic attack in east London.
The victim and his partner, both men in their 20s, had been walking along High Road in Chadwell Heath when the unprovoked assault happened on the evening of October 1.
Scotland Yard said six men and boys, aged between 16 and 22, were arrested in their homes on Thursday morning in connection with the attack.
Chief Inspector Chris Nixon, from the East Area Command Unit, said: “This morning’s arrests are the culmination of our investigation into an unprovoked assault on two men, that left one requiring hospital treatment.
“We are keeping the victims updated, and those arrested will be taken to police stations where they’ll be interviewed about their involvement in this attack."
The victims, both men in their 20s, are said to have encountered a group of "up to six unknown males" on the High Road, around 5.30pm on October 1.
The group was reportedly verbally abusive towards the two men, before making threats.
A member of the group then allegedly struck one of the victims on the head with a plank of wood.
He suffered cuts and bruises and received treatment at hospital, before being discharged shortly after.
His partner was not injured, but a Met Police statement said both men were "understandably distressed".
An LGBTQ+ liaison officer was overseeing the investigation and providing support to the victims, the Met said on Thursday.
“We are aware of the corrosive effect of hate crime and remain determined to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice," said Ch Insp Nixon.
"I hope that these arrests will send out a signal to those who think they can get away with homophobic abuse and violence that we will track you down.”
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.
