A gay couple needed hospital treatment after a ‘terrible attack’ on the eve of the 50th anniversary of London Pride.
The two men – one of whom is performing in the London Gay Men’s Chorus today – were targeted in the early hours of Saturday morning after leaving a bar in Mile End.
A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of being seriously injured, but it is believed more than one person took part.
The victims, one in his 30s and the other in his 40s, were taken to hospital and discharged after treatment, Metropolitan Police said.
The incident is being treated as a suspected homophobic hate crime ‘due to insults shouted by the attackers’.
The London Gay Men’s Chorus described the assault as a ‘terrible attack’, which they said reinforced the importance of fighting back against homophobia.
The group is taking part in Saturday’s Pride event in London, which this year marks the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride parade.
Choir chairman Peter Ptashko said: “This horrific attack only serves to underline the importance of fighting homophobia and all forms of discrimination.
“After 30 years, our mission of ‘social justice through song’ has never been so important to achieve a more equal, diverse and inclusive society that we all need today more than ever.”
Police are appealing for any witnesses who have yet to speak to officers to contact them.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, look at our newspaper.