25/08/2022
The Metropolitan Police have responded for calls for better and more robust defence of LGBTQIA communities in London’s Southbank after two young queer men were viciously assaulted, robbed and in once case, even left for dead by a gang of evil homophobes. Politics student and social media activist Matt posted ”Yet another gay man attacked in the Southbank area, this time on Charing Cross bridge where another young gay man went missing and was found dead in the Thames weeks later. There are dozens of similar stories”. The Metropolitan Police told Pink News that officers had responded within four minutes of the attacks and that two heterosexual extremists had been apprehended along with an amount of stolen property. Superintendent Dan Ivey said in a statement: “This attack was absolutely sickening – the victims were punched, kicked and beaten and were stripped of some of their clothing, in what was clearly an attack ... motivated by hate. I am glad officers responded so quickly and in a way which has resulted in suspects being arrested within minutes, and then charged with serious offences. We have deployed additional uniformed and plain clothed officers into this area in recent months to target perpetrators, and have a new, dedicated LGBT+ engagement officer, who works with a range of partners to understand and respond quickly to emerging safety issues”. Meanwhile, the anti-violence charity GALOP said “If you’ve experienced anti-LGBT+ violence, abuse or harassment, and need a safe space to talk, our LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline is here for you. You can talk to our helpline team about insults, intimidation, threats, online abuse or violence targeting you because of your sexual orientation or gender identity”. Their helpline is available from Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm on 0207 704 2040.
