Detectives investigating a homophobic attack and robbery of two women in Camden have made four arrests.
Four males aged between 15-18 have been arrested today, Friday, 7 June on suspicion of robbery and aggravated GBH (hate crime). They have been taken to separate London police stations for questioning.
Police continue to appeal for witnesses and information after the women were assaulted and robbed on a route N31 bus in Camden.
The incident happened at approximately 02:30hrs on Thursday, 30 May after the two women, both aged in their 20s, boarded the bus in West Hampstead.
As they sat on the top deck they were approached by a group of males who began to make lewd and homophobic comments to them. The women were then attacked and punched several times before the males ran off the bus. A phone and bag were stolen during the assault.
Both women were taken to hospital for treatment of facial injuries. They have now been discharged.
Detective Superintendent Andy Cox said: “This was a disgusting attack on two women who appear to have been picked out and targeted by a group of youths. The suspects have made a number of homophobic comments towards the couple before throwing coins at them. When the women tried to reason with the group, the attack escalated to an assault.
“CCTV footage from the attack is being reviewed by detectives. We continue to appeal for information from the public, particularly those who were present on the bus before or after the attack to come forward and tell police what they saw.
“A number of active enquires are in hand to trace other individuals suspected to have been involved in the incident. Lots of people will understandably be outraged by this attack. Our efforts to trace all the suspects involved and bring them in for questioning will be relentless.
“Attacks of this nature on London buses are rare. I would like to reassure those heading out over the weekend that extra uniformed and plain clothes Safer Transport officers will be out on patrol working to keep them safe and prevent crime.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD737/30May. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
+ The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is committed to tackling hate crime in all its forms, supporting victims and their families and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Hate Crime can be reported through 999 in an emergency, by dialling 101 in a non-emergency, or directly at a police station.
The Met have long since recognised the impact of hate crime on communities and the hidden nature of this crime, which remains largely under-reported. The MPS stands together with policing partners, colleagues and groups to investigate all hate crime allegations, support victims and their families, and bring perpetrators to justice.
