Police investigating the homophobic stabbing of two men outside a London gay club have released new images of a suspect wanted in the attack.
Two men, one aged in their 20s and the other in their 30s, were outside the Two Brewers in Clapham High Street at about 10.15pm on Sunday when they were stabbed in an unprovoked attack that is being treated as a hate crime.
The new pictures were taken by a CCTV camera on a route 50 bus in Thornton Heath, south London, at about 8.30pm on Sunday.
DCI Jivan Saivb, who is leading the investigation, said: “These images provide a clearer picture of the person we need to identify and locate following this shocking attack. I would urge people to look at these images – do you know this man? Do you recognise the clothes he is wearing? If you can help identify him then please get in touch.”
The two victims were taken to hospital for treatment but have since been discharged.
A statement on Instagram posted by a man who said he was one of the victims said he had been strengthened and comforted “by the community I am lucky to have as my LGBTQ+ family”.
The Two Brewers has thanked people for their “very kind messages of support and solidarity”, adding according to Sky News: “Our continuous thoughts are with the victims of this horrific attack. For now, it’s business as usual. We won’t let this cruel attack grind us down – let’s keep spreading the love!”
PC Hayley Jones, the dedicated LGBTQ+ community liaison officer for Lambeth and Southwark, said: “We understand some people from the LGBT+ community may not have the confidence to speak to police; my role was introduced to provide a dedicated LGBT+ point of contact to support the community and advise on investigations where homophobia and transphobia is a motive. You can contact me directly for advice and support, or to assist this investigation.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or tweet MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online. Jones can be contacted on 07825 101 104, or by emailing Hayley.Jones@met.police.uk.
