Police have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a homophobic double stabbing outside a nightclub in Clapham.
The incident occurred on Sunday (August 15) at around 10.15pm, when two men, one in their 20s and the other in their 30s, were targeted by a male suspect.
The two men were stabbed with a knife outside the Two Brewers venue on Clapham High Street before the suspect fled the scene.
The victims were both taken to the hospital and have since been discharged.
Metropolitan Police officers are treating the attack as homophobic and are still searching for the suspect.
DCI Saib continued: “Officers have already collated witness accounts and scoured CCTV for evidence and this work remains ongoing.
“I appreciate those who have come forward and spoken to police but would ask that if you were in the area and saw these events unfold, but have yet to contact us, then please do so.”
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.”
Police are appealing the public for any information that could help identify and locate the suspect.
Witnesses, anyone with information regarding the incident, or anyone who recognises the man in the picture is urged contact the police on 101 or to tweet @MetCC, quoting CAD 7198/13Aug.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
You can contact the Lambeth and Southwark LGBT+ CLO and PC Hayley Jones on 07825101104 or Hayley.Jones@met.police.uk A spokesperson for the Two Brewers pub, a gay bar and nightclub, said security has been boosted in the wake of the stabbing.
They said: “We are fully supporting the police in their investigation regarding this unprovoked attack and our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
“We would like to reassure the LGBTQIA+ community that the safety and security of our guests remains our number one priority, our CCTV has been handed over to the police and enhanced security measures have now been put in place.”
Drag performer Mary Mac, who was at the Two Brewers in Clapham High Street on Sunday, said on Twitter: “It’s shocking and disgusting that in 2023 this is becoming frighteningly more frequent.
“The team at The Two Brewers were incredible in dealing with this and keeping us inside the venue safe, glad the victims have been discharged and hope they are with loved ones now to help.”
A spokesperson for Met Police said: "Detectives investigating a homophobic attack on two men outside the Two Brewers venue in Clapham have released an image of a male they want to identify.
"The image was taken from outside the venue at the time of the attack.
"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.
"Enquiries are ongoing to locate and arrest the suspect.
"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."
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