Two people stabbed in homophobic attack outside Clapham nightclub
Police are asking for information regarding the attack, which took place outside LGBTQIA+ venue the Two Brewers on Sunday evening
Two people have been stabbed, in what police believe was a homophobic attack, outside a Clapham nightclub on Sunday evening (August 13).
The victims were taken to hospital following the incident, which police report took place around 10:15PM outside the the Two Brewers on Clapham High Street.
The Metropolitan Police are running an urgent investigation into the incident, which they believe was a homophobic hate crime — and are asking for information from members of the public.
The two men one in their 20s and the other in their 30s, reported that a man attacked them both with a knife before running away, with one of the victims - who identifies himself as 'aniello110' sharing the following statement on instagram yesterday: “I’ve not been feeling sad, nor angry, or confused,” he wrote. “‘I’ve just been left so many questions… to think what can lead to changing a person’s mind that much that they can feel it’s OK to attack anyone.”
He concluded: “What today has strengthened in me, more than ever before, is that I could never, and have never, be prouder, happier, or more comforted, by the community I am lucky enough to have as my LGBTQ+ family!
“I would NEVER change it for the world. I am so lucky to have all my family and friends who have reached out just to check on me today.”
Detective Inspector Gary Castle, from the local policing team in Lambeth, said: “We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and I want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.
“We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBT+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 BCUs in London to support and advise on investigations where homophobia is a motive, and to ensure the community has a dedicated point of contact to address any concerns they may have.”
Giancarlo Galliani, 34, was inside the pub when the attack happened and told Sky News: "I think it's really serious and quite scary”.
"At the time we weren't aware that it was a homophobic attack. The fact it might be targeted is really quite frightening."
London mayor Sadiq Khan named the incident "abhorrent" adding: “The horrific hate crime in Clapham last night is being robustly investigated by the Police. It’s also a tragic reminder of why we need Pride. My thoughts are with the victims and with the LGBTQ+ community who are undoubtedly feeling frightened and upset.”
A spokesperson for the Two Brewers told Mixmag: “We are fully supporting the police in their investigation regarding this unprovoked attack and our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
"We would like to reassure the LGBTQIA+ community that the safety and security of our guests remains our number one priority, our CCTV has been handed over to the police and enhanced security measures have now been put in place.”
The Two Brewers has been running LGBTQIA+ events since 1981 and is open every day hosting a range of cabaret and drag shows.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter