Police hunt six men after gay couple were verbally abused and attacked with a plank of wood in 'homophobic hate crime'

Assault took place in Chadwell Heath, London at around 5:30 pm on October 1
Police say the second victims were left ‘understandably distressed’
DO YOU KNOW THE MEN BEING SOUGHT? Email tips@dailymail.com or Ivan.Prothero@mailonline.co.uk

By Ivan Prothero

Published: 08:16 EDT, 20 October 2023 | Updated: 08:25 EDT, 20 October 2023

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Police are hunting thugs who attacked a gay couple with a plank of wood in a ‘homophobic hate crime’.

Detectives have released images of six men they want to trace following the assault in Chadwell Heath, east London.

The incident happened at around 5.30 pm on October 1 as the two victims, both men in their 20s, were walking along High Road, Chadwell Heath.

Police say a group of up to six people were ‘verbally abusive’ towards them and made threats.

One of the victims was struck on the head with a plank of wood.

DO YOU KNOW THE MEN BEING SOUGHT? Email tips@dailymail.com or Ivan.Prothero@mailonline.co.uk

Chadwell Heath High Road, East London (above) where the incident took place

He suffered cuts and bruises and was treated in hospital before being allowed home.

Police say the second victim was not physically injured, but the pair were ‘understandably distressed’.

A Met Police spokesman said: ‘Due to the comments made prior to the assault this incident is being treated as a homophobic hate crime.

‘No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

‘The Met is aware of the corrosive effect of hate crime and is determined to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.’

He added: ‘A dedicated LGBTQ+ liaison officer will have oversight of the investigation and provide support to the victims.’

Any witnesses or anyone with any information or footage is asked to call police on 101 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

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