A parade-goer at this year’s Pride in London (Photo: GayStarNews)
Police in London have launched a public appeal to help them with investigations into a suspected hate crime in Soho.
They say a 49-year-old man was assaulted and robbed in Soho at approximately 1.30am on Sunday 8 July.
He was walking along Greek Street towards Tottenham Court Road, where he planned to catch a bus home.
Soho would have still been fairly busy at this time following the preceding day’s Pride in London celebrations and its high number of late-night bars and cafes.
Police suspect a hate crime due to language used
‘The victim was able to make his way to Stratford Underground Station where he was given medical treatment by officers before being taken to hospital,’ say police in a statement. ‘He was found to have suffered a broken back and continues to receive treatment.
‘Due to offensive language heard by the victim shortly before the assault, the incident is also being treated as a hate crime.
‘Detectives have carried out extensive CCTV enquiries to identify the suspect(s).
‘They would like to hear anyone who witnessed the assault which happened following Pride in London. The area would have been busy at the time. Officers would also like to speak with anyone who helped him off the tube at Stratford.’
Anyone in the UK with information is asked to contact the Community Safety Unit at Westminster by calling 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
See also
Police want to find these three men after homophobic assault in Brighton
Police warn ‘real possibility’ of increase in LGBTI hate crime due to Brexit
