E-fit appeal following two homophobic attacks in Walthamstow

Police in Walthamstow are issuing e-fit images after two homophobic attacks in the area.

On Sunday, 8 October the first victim, a 47-year-old man, was walking along High Street, Walthamstow E17 with his husband after a night out in Walthamstow Village.

They were approached by a man who asked them if he could take a picture of them, and then asked if they were gay.

The two men walked away, but the suspect then grabbed hold of the victim and said "you are not welcome" and grappled with him.

The victim was then pulled away by his husband before they walked away and called police. The victim was not injured in the incident.

In the second incident on Saturday, 4 November, the victim, a 31-year-old man, was walking along Hoe Street, E17 with two friends.

They were approached by three men who were unknown to them. One of them punched the victim in the face and shouted homophobic abuse at him. The punch caused the victim to fall to the floor and the attacker made off.

The victim suffered a black eye and cuts and bruises - he did not require hospital treatment

The victims, who were both left extremely shaken after the incidents, provided detailed descriptions of the attacker from which the two e-fits were produced.

Based on these descriptions and the locations where the assaults happened, officers have not ruled out the possibility that the attacks may well have been carried out by the same man.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call Waltham Forest police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.