A
man was hit over the head in a homophobic attack in a south London park in the early hours of Saturday morning, police said in an appeal.
The 55-year-old victim was walking with two friends when a stranger approached them in Burgess Park, Camberwell, at 1.40am.
The man shouted homophobic abuse before hitting the victim over the head and making off on foot along Albany Road, officers said.
The victim was rushed to hospital for treatment. His condition is not deemed life-threatening.
Police released an image of a man who was seen on CCTV walking along Albany Road who they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.
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They said he is a young man, possibly in his early 20s, who was wearing a stud earring and carrying a plastic JD Sports string bag on his back.
Although the man’s face cannot be seen in the image, police said they hoped somebody will recognise him.
They added that they are continuing to search for any additional CCTV footage as part of their enquiries.
Commander Dr Alison Heydari, of Frontline Policing, said: “We have made it clear that tackling violent crime is the Met’s top priority and we are seeing positive results.
“This sort of violence will not be tolerated, all the more so when exacerbated by a homophobic motive.
“Officers from the Met’s Central South BCU are already working at pace to identify the man responsible for this attack.
“I can assure Londoners that our investigation will be thorough, well-resourced and as painstaking as necessary to bring the individual responsible to justice.”
Anyone with information or anyone who may know the identity of the man pictured is asked to call 101 and quote CAD 650/14May. To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/burgess-park-homophobic-attack-appeal-london-b1000047.html
