Chadwell Heath: Six arrested after man hit with wooden plank in homophobic attack

Six men have been arrested after a homophobic attack on two men in east London.

Two men, aged in their 20s, were on High Road in Chadwell Heath at about 5.30pm on October 1 when they were approached by up to six men who were being abusive and making threats.

A member of the group then struck one of the victims on the head with a plank of wood. The victim suffered cuts and bruises as a result of the incident. He went to hospital for treatment and was discharged shortly after.

The second victim was not injured, however the pair were understandably distressed.

The males aged between 16 and 22, were arrested in their homes on Thursday morning (November 23).

Ch Insp Chris Nixon, from the East Area Command Unit, said: “This morning’s arrests are the culmination of our investigation into an unprovoked assault on two men, that left one requiring hospital treatment.

“We are keeping the victims updated, and those arrested will be taken to police stations where they’ll be interviewed about their involvement in this attack.

“We are aware of the corrosive effect of hate crime and remain determined to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice. I hope that these arrests will send out a signal to those who think they can get away with homophobic abuse and violence that we will track you down.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information or footage is asked to call police on 101 or contact via ‘X’ Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 5640/01Oct.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.