14 August 2023 , 12:08
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Police have launched a manhunt after a knifeman stabbed two men outside of a nightclub during a homophobic attack.
The Met Police were called to reports of a stabbing on Clapham High Street, south London, shortly after 10 pm on Sunday. It was reported that the attacker fled the scene. The two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were targeted as they stood outside the Two Brewers at around 10.15 pm. They were rushed to hospital and have since been discharged.
The authorities have viewed the attack as homophobic. Officers have reassured the LGBT+ community that an "urgent" investigation is underway in a bid to catch the culprit in the wake of the violence, which is the second time a homophobic attack has been reported in the area.
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.”
Met Police are searching for a suspect following the attack on Clapham High Street (Google Maps)Earlier this year, a man and a woman were arrested after they allegedly assaulted a gay couple outside The Two Brewers on February 12, reports PinkNews. A bystander, who claimed to have witnessed the attack, posted on social media at the time: "Two innocent gay men standing next to me were slapped by a woman for kissing.”
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He praised the bar staff and said: “Thankfully the excellent security & management at @2BrewersClapham intervened and the police were swift to arrest. I am more or less unscathed, barring an injured wrist. I thought I would share this because even in one of the most liberal queer-friendly cities like London, homophobia is still a daily occurrence.” Police confirmed at the time that they were investigating the incident.
If you have any information regarding the incident from this Sunday, you can call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online to remain anonymous.