Two men were taken to hospital after being stabbed in a homophobic attack outside a nightclub.
The pair, one aged in their 20s and the other in their 30s, were in Clapham High Street, south London, at around 10.15pm on Sunday when they were targeted.
They were treated in hospital and discharged.
Metropolitan Police officers are searching for the suspect in the attack, that they are treating as homophobic.
#APPEAL | Detectives are appealing for witnesses after two men were stabbed on #Clapham High Street last night
While enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing, at this stage the incident is being treated as a homophobic attack
Read more here: https://t.co/KkFuwi04CU
— Lambeth Police | Central South BCU (@LambethMPS) August 14, 2023
Detective Inspector Gary Castle said: “We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.
“We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBT+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 basic command units 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 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.”
This is abhorrent. There is no place for hate in London.
It's a huge relief the victims are out of hospital – my thoughts remain with them & their loved ones.
If you have any information, please do not stay silent – contact 101 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111. https://t.co/JFoOuyFCMN
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) August 14, 2023
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.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan urged witnesses to come forward.
Writing on Twitter, now known as X, he said: “This is abhorrent. There is no place for hate in London.
“It’s a huge relief the victims are out of hospital – my thoughts remain with them and their loved ones.
“If you have any information, please do not stay silent.”
Very worrying homophobic attack on Clapham High Street last night. Thankfully both men have now been discharged from hospital but they will sadly face long term trauma from this incident. If you have any information please call on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug. https://t.co/f3UbmmWU1N
— Florence Eshalomi MP (@FloEshalomi) August 14, 2023
In a tweet the Labour MP for Vauxhall, Florence Eshalomi, called the attack ‘very worrying’.
Anyone with information can call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.
