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Detectives investigating a homophobic attack on two men outside the Two Brewers in Clapham have issued fresh images of the man they want to trace.

The images were taken from a route 50 bus in Thornton Heath at approximately 20:30hrs, before the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Jivan Saib from the local policing team in Lambeth leads the investigation and 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 incident happened at approximately 22:15hrs on Sunday, 13 August as the two men stood outside a nightclub – they were approached by a man who attacked them with a knife before running away.

Both men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.

Officers continue to follow-up a number of lines of enquiry provided by witnesses and members of the public as they work to locate and arrest the suspect.

There are also ongoing patrols in and around the area of Clapham High Street which will continue over the coming days.

PC Hayley Jones who is the dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Lambeth and Southwark added: 

“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 is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you wish to contact the Lambeth and Southwark LGBT+ CLO please contact PC Hayley Jones on 07825101104 or Hayley.Jones@met.police.uk.

In South London, a distressing incident unfolded where two gay men became victims of assault, echoing the homophobic stabbing near The Two Brewers bar in Clapham that occurred a mere week earlier. The unfortunate recipients of this attack were Michael Smith and his partner Nat Asabere. Their ordeal unfolded while they waited for a bus around 11 p.m. in Brixton on Saturday, August 19.

This incident followed their participation in the UK Black Pride event earlier in the day.

The assailant, an unfamiliar man, confronted the couple, subjecting them to violence. Asabere was struck at the back of his head, while Smith endured a series of “three or four” punches to his face. Fearing for their safety, they managed to escape onto a bus. The extent of Smith’s injuries came to light only after they had fled, eventually leading to medical treatment.

Recounting the events to the BBC, Smith shared, “Fortunately, my instinct to flee kicked in, and we sought refuge on that bus. It was then that I noticed blood staining my shirt, leaving me bewildered about its source. The taste of blood in my mouth and its presence on my hands, along with the sensation of a significant split in my lip, became apparent.”

No Arrests Made

As of now, no arrests have been made, and law enforcement is treating this incident as an act of homophobia. This attack follows another disturbing event where two men were stabbed outside the Two Brewers in Clapham on August 13, just over a week prior. The victims of that incident were men in their 20s and 30s, attacked by an individual wielding a knife.

Authorities at the Metropolitan Police are actively pursuing the perpetrator.

Although the attacks transpired within close proximity and a short timeframe of each other, the Metropolitan Police do not believe there is a connection between the two incidents. The aftermath of the assault has left Asabere grappling with headaches, while Smith struggles to come to terms with the incident and its impact on him emotionally.

Smith expressed the growing concern over escalating anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments contributing to heightened hostility against the community. In response to this ordeal, he is raising funds for Stonewall, an organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights.

Reflecting on his decision to take action, Smith shared, “I had to channel all those complex emotions into something positive. That’s why I initiated a fundraiser and chose to speak out. I understood that if I kept silent, it would only eat away at me.”

Individuals with information regarding the attack are encouraged to contact the police at 101, referencing case number 8673/22AUG. For those who have witnessed or been victims of hate crimes, seeking help is strongly advocated. The police can be reached at 101, Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 for anonymous tips, or via the True Vision website. In emergencies, dial 999.