man has been arrested after a suspected homophobic assault that saw a gay choir member and his partner require hospital treatment.
The victims, one who is part of the London Gay Men’s Chorus, were attacked in the early hours of Saturday after leaving a bar in East London’s Mile End, police said.
A man in his thirties has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm during the incident in the Wentworth Mews area at about 1.20 am.
The victims, one in his thirties and the other in his forties, were taken to hospital and released after treatment, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police said the incident is being treated as a homophobic hate crime “because of insults shouted by the suspects”.
The London Gay Men’s Chorus described the attack as a “terrible attack”, underscoring the importance of fighting back against homophobia.
The group will take part in the Pride event in London on Saturday, marking the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride parade this year.
Choir Chairman Peter Ptashko said: “This appalling attack only serves to underline how important it remains to fight homophobia and all forms of discrimination.
“After 30 years, our mission of ‘social justice through song’ has never been more important to achieve a more equal, diverse and inclusive society that we all need more than ever today.”
More than one person is believed to have been present, police said.
Police are calling on witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers to contact them.