Two men were assaulted in Brixton on 19 August
BY PHOEBE IRIS, IMAGE BY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Sadiq Khan has responded to London’s second homophobic attack in a week, calling it “appalling”.
In a statement on Twitter, the Mayor of London said:
“Not long after the appalling homophobic attack in Clapham, another incident has occurred in Brixton. I am disgusted that these events have taken place in our city—a city that champions love and inclusion. Let me be clear: homophobia has no place in our society.”
“As Mayor, I will always stand with the LGBTQ+ community. If you have any information on this attack, I urge you to come forward ASAP – contact 101 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111. My thoughts are with the victims at this difficult time. London stands with you.”
The attack took place on Brixton Road around 11 pm on Saturday 19 August. Partners Michael Smith and Nat Asabere were waiting for the bus home after UK Black Pride when an unknown man approached and began to assault them. Nat was punched in the back of the head and Michael received “three or four” blows to the face. The attack took place in a matter of seconds as a bus approached, and the couple fled to safety by taking refuge on the bus. They then went to the hospital as Michael required stitches in his lip.
Speaking to the BBC, Michael said: “I’m having such a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment. When it’s online and someone sends me a message, I’m able to articulate how I’m feeling, but when someone asks me how I am in person, a lump gets my throat and that’s when I feel like I’m about to break down. It’s taken a lot out of me.”
This comes after an earlier attack on Sunday 13 August which involved two men being stabbed outside of the LGBTQIA venue Two Brewers in Clapham. Both victims survived but as of now, no arrest has been made. Police are still appealing to the public for information and have released images of the suspect. If you have any information that may aid this investigation you can contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug.
If you have any information that may aid the Brixton investigation please call 101 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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