London’sĀ Metropolitan Police are investigating after two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were stabbed outside the Two Brewers in Clapham High Street on Sunday evening in what is being treated as a homophobic attack.
Both victims have since been discharged from hospital and the Metropolitan Police has since said the incident is being treated as a homophobic attack.
Detective Inspector Gary Castle said: “We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBTQ+ community, and I want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.
“We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBTQ+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 basic command units (BCUs) in London to support and advise on investigations where homophobia is a motive, and to ensure the community has a dedicated point of contact to address any concerns they may have.”
A spokesperson for Two Brewers, which has beenĀ serving the LGBTQ+ community since 1981, said they are “fully supporting” police in their investigation regarding the “unprovoked attack”.
“We would like to reassure the LGBTQ+ 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,” they said.
Witnesses are encouraged to contact the police.
LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall added: “We are appalled to hear that two men have been stabbed in an apparent homophobic attack outside a LGBTQ+ venue in Clapham.
“It is unacceptable for LGBTQ+ people to live in fear. We call on the UK government to set out its plan to deal with rising hate crime.”
