A manhunt has been launched after a group of four hooded thugs attacked two men in a horrific homophobic assault on London’s Southbank on New Year’s Day.
The victims, aged 28 and 31, were walking near the National Theatre holding hands before they were assaulted by the men, and suffered facial injuries and bruising in the attack.
Detectives issued a clear CCTV image of three men they are trying to trace as they appealed for information following the assault on Tuesday last week shortly before 2.30pm.
The incident is being treated as a hate crime, Scotland Yard said.
All four suspects are believed to be aged in their mid-20s and were wearing hooded tops. They fled the scene in the direction of the OXO Tower, officers said.
No arrests have been made.
In statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “The victims, aged 28 and 31, who were holding hands, suffered facial injuries and bruising in the assault. They did not require hospital treatment.
“The suspects are all described as white, aged in their mid-20s and wearing hooded tops. They left in the direction of the OXO Tower. Officers are issuing images of three of the four suspects in a bid to identify them.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Lambeth via 101 quoting reference 6108/1Jan or tweet @MetCC. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
