Police arrest man, 19, in connection to alleged homophobic attack

Police arrest 19-year-old man on suspicion of GBH in connection to alleged homophobic attack in Clapham that left two men with slash wounds

• Two men were attacked outside the Two Brewers in Clapham on August 13

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged homophobic attack outside a pub in south London. 

Two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were attacked as they stood outside the Two Brewers on Clapham High Street in what has been described as a ‘horrific incident’.

A teenager has now been arrested in South Norwood on suspicion of two counts of GBH and remains in police custody.

The attack happened around 10.15pm on August 13, sparking a manhunt for the perpetrator.

Detective Superintendent Vanessa Britton described the arrest as a ‘significant development’ in the Met Police’s investigation.

Two men were attacked last month outside the Two Brewers on Clapham High Street in what has been described as a ‘horrific incident’

‘The two victims have been informed and continue to be supported by our officers, including our dedicated LGBT+ community liaison officer,’ she said.

‘I know the concern and distress this horrific incident has caused among the LGBT+ community and I want to reassure them – and Londoners as a whole – that a team of officers is working diligently to investigate.’

Following the brutal stabbing, both victims were treated in hospital and later discharged. 

One, named only as Aniello, said he had been left with ‘so many questions’ in the aftermath of the attack. 

One of the victims, named only as Aniello (pictured), said he had been left with ‘so many questions’ after the attack but felt ‘lucky’ after leaving hospital

Aniello wrote on Instagram: ‘Didn’t know if I should really say anything, but I suppose it feels right to.

‘I’ve not been left feeling sad, nor angry, or confused.

‘I’ve just been left so many questions – to think what can lead to changing a person’s mind that much that they can feel it’s OK to attack anyone.

‘Whatever their reasons – and how we change that.

‘What today has strengthened in me more than ever before is that I could never, and have never been prouder, happier or more comforted, by the community.

One of the victims said: ‘What today has strengthened in me more than ever before is that I could never, and have never been prouder, happier or more comforted, by the community’

‘I am lucky enough to have as my LGBTQ+ family!

‘I would never change it for the world. I am so lucky to have all my family and friends who have reached out just to check on me today.

‘Love you all – all of you.’

The attack sparked anger and distress among members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a march held outside the bar in its wake.

Drag star Baga Chipz, who performs at the Clapham bar on a Sunday night, said: ‘I’m angry, but I’m also shocked, because these are our safe spaces.

‘This is where LGBTQ+ people go to have fun, have a drink, let their hair down and you can’t even be safe.’

Source: Read Full Article