Sadiq Khan has condemned the “abhorrent” homophobic stabbing that took place outside the Two Brewers in Clapham High Street on 13 August.
Content warning: This story includes topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable and/or upset.
“The incident in Clapham High Street on Sunday night was abhorrent. It’s a huge relief the victims of this appalling attack are out of hospital, and my thoughts remain with them and their loved ones,” the Mayor of London said in a statement.
“I have always been clear that there is no place for hate in London. I stand with LGBTQI+ Londoners and will do all I can to end hate crime in the capital. My team, along with the Met Police, are supporting and working closely with the LGBTQ+ Venues Forum and its members who will be invited to attend an urgent meeting later this week.
“The investigation into this attack is continuing and if you have any information, please do not stay silent – contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Khan is also encouraging LGBTQ+ people in need of dedicated support to get in touch with Galop, the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity.
The horrific hate crime in Clapham last night is being robustly investigated by the Police. It’s also a tragic reminder of why we need Pride. My thoughts are with the victims and with the LGBTQ+ community who are undoubtedly feeling frightened and upset. 🧵
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) August 14, 2023
Two men were stabbed outside the Two Brewers
Two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were standing outside the LGBTQ+ venue when a man approached them and attacked them with a knife before running away.
They were both taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.
The Met Police said it was treating the incident as homophobic and that no one has been arrested in connection to it yet.
Detective Inspector Gary Castle, of the Central South Command Unit, said: “We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.
“We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBT+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 BCUs in London to support and advise on investigations where homophobia is a motive, and to ensure the community has a dedicated point of contact to address any concerns they may have.”
READ MORE: Clapham stabbing victim makes first statement since homophobic attack
In response to the attack, Stonewall is calling on the government to put a plan in place to deal with hate crime.
Kieran Aldred, Head of Policy at the charity, said: “This incident has occurred amidst a climate of rising hate crimes against people based on sexual orientation – which government statistics show as having more than doubled in England and Wales over the last five years.
“Despite these alarming statistics and a string of violent, and in some unfortunate cases deadly, attacks, the UK Government has sat idle and there has been no hate crime strategy in place in England for over three years.
“It is unacceptable for LGBTQ+ people to live in fear, and we call on the UK Government to set out its plan to deal with rising homophobic and transphobic violence.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug.
You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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