Chadwell Heath: Arrests made after gay man hit with wooden plank

Police said the two men, aged in their 20s, were on High Road in Chadwell Heath at about 17:30 BST on 1 October when they were approached

Six men have been arrested over an alleged homophobic attack in which a gay man was hit with a plank of wood in Chadwell Heath, east London.

The Metropolitan Police said a couple were walking along High Road on 1 October when a group of men shouted homophobic abuse at them.

One used a fence panel as a weapon and left the victim, in his 20s, needing hospital treatment for his injuries.

Six men aged between 16 and 22 were arrested on Thursday, the Met said.

All of the men were arrested at their home addresses and have been taken into custody for questioning.

The second victim was not injured, however police said the pair were "understandably distressed".

Ch Insp Chris Nixon said: "We are aware of the corrosive effect of hate crime and remain determined to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice.

"I hope that these arrests will send out a signal to those who think they can get away with homophobic abuse and violence that we will track you down."

An LGBTQ+ liaison officer has been assigned to support the victims, the Metropolitan Police added.

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