The group were arrested this morning (credit: Met Police)
The males, aged between 16 and 22, were arrested in their homes this morning (Thursday, 23 November) in connection with an attack on two men last month.
At around 5.30pm on Sunday, 1 October, the two victims, aged in their 20s, were walking along High Road when a group of six individuals verbally abused and threatened them.
One of the victims suffered cuts and bruises after a member of the group struck him on the head with a plank of wood. He went to hospital for treatment and was discharged shortly after.
The second victim was not injured, however the pair were understandably distressed.
The Metropolitan Police says a dedicated LGBTQ+ liaison officer will continue to have oversight of the investigation and provide support to the victims.
Chief Inspector 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.
Tags: Havering, Chadwell Heath, Metropolitan Police
