Chadwell Heath homophobic assault: Police hunt six men in hate crime investigation

Two men were attacked in a homophobic assault by a gang of men, police have said.

Detectives have released images of six men they want to speak to in connection the incident in east London.

At about 5.30pm on Sunday October 1, the two victims, both in their 20s, were walking along High Road, Chadwell Heath.

It was reported that a group of up to six unknown men were verbally abusive and threatening towards them.

Police say a man from the group struck one of the victims on the head with a plank of wood. The victim suffered cuts and bruises, and was treated in hospital.

The second victim was not injured but police say the pair were "understandably distressed".

No arrests have been made but the Met says the incident is being treated as a homophobic hate crime.

The Met Police said in a statement: "The Met is aware of the corrosive effect of hate crime and is determined to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.

"A dedicated LGBTQ+ liaison officer will have oversight of the investigation and provide support to the victims."

Anyone with information or footage is asked to call police on 101 or contact officers via X @MetCC. Quote CAD 5640/01OCT.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.