Man wanted after stabbing outside London nightclub in homophobic incident

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【Summary】Met Police have released an image of a man they want to find after two men were stabbed outside a London nightclub in a homophobic attack. The victims, in their 20s and 30s, were targeted near the Two Brewers in Clapham on Sunday evening. They were treated in hospital and discharged. The police are urging the public to help identify and locate the suspect. Security has been increased at the gay bar and nightclub following the incident.

FutureCar Staff Aug 15, 2023 5:24 PM PT

Man wanted after stabbing outside London nightclub in homophobic incident

Met Police have released an image of a man they want to find after two victims were stabbed outside a busy south London nightclub in a 'homophobic attack'. Two men, one in their 20s and the other in their 30s, were targeted near the Two Brewers in Clapham on Sunday evening. Both victims were treated in hospital and discharged. One named only as Aniello said he had been left with 'so many questions' following the attack.

The image was taken from outside the venue at the time of the attack. Detective Chief Inspector Jivan Saib from the Central South Command Unit leads the investigation and said: 'I am asking the public to look at this image and see if they recognise this individual – it is vital that we identify and locate him as soon as possible.

'The incident happened at approximately 22:15hrs on Sunday, August 13 as the two men stood outside a nightclub – they were approached by a man who attacked them with a knife before running away.'

DCI Saib continued: 'Officers have already collated witness accounts and scoured CCTV for evidence and this work remains ongoing. I appreciate those who have come forward and spoken to police but would ask that if you were in the area and saw these events unfold, but have yet to contact us, then please do so.

Aniello wrote on Instagram: 'Didn't know if I should really say anything, but I suppose it feels right to. 'I've not been left feeling sad, nor angry, or confused. '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. 'Whatever their reasons - and how we change that. 'What today has strengthened in me more than ever before is that I could never, and have never been prouder, happier or more comforted, by the community.

A spokesman for the Two Brewers pub, a gay bar and nightclub, said security has been boosted in the wake of the stabbing. Drag star Baga Chipz, who performs at the Clapham bar on a Sunday night, said: 'I'm angry, but I'm also shocked, because these are our safe spaces. 'This is where LGBTQ+ people go to have fun, have a drink, let their hair down and you can't even be safe.'

Drag performer Mary Mac, who was at the venue on Sunday, said on Twitter: 'It's shocking and disgusting that in 2023 this is becoming frighteningly more frequent. The team at The Two Brewers were incredible in dealing with this and keeping us inside the venue safe, glad the victims have been discharged and hope they are with loved ones now to help.'

PC Hayley Jones who is the dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Lambeth and Southwark added: 'We understand some people from the LGBT+ community may not have the confidence to speak to police; my role was introduced to provide a dedicated LGBT+ point of contact to support the community and advise on investigations where homophobia and transphobia is a motive. You can contact me directly for advice and support, or to assist this investigation.'

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.