Man left with horrific injuries after brutal homophobic attack in London
Police are investigating after a man was assaulted by two males in a homophobic attack in London.
Jean Michel Touche was hospitalised with a broken eye socket after two young males robbed his iPhone 6 while shouting homophobic slurs.
The attack occurred on Barnes Common at approximately 5.30pm yesterday (September 6).
As well as the broken eye socket – which will require surgery – his attackers also left him badly bruised and broke his thumb.
A Met police spokesperson confirmed the crime to PinkNews – saying the two male suspects are believed to have ran off in the direction of Barnes Common Tennis Courts.
This attack comes as London police have revealed that homophobic crimes have increased by 30% in the last year.
The data comes from the force’s latest annual crime figures – which allow types of reports to be broken down by borough and by crime type.
It shows that 1,667 homophobic offences took place in the 12 months to July 2015 – up from 1,289 in the 12 months to July 2014.
The shocking data – an increase of 29.3% year-on-year – may be partly down to better recording of hate crimes, though it does signify a worrying trend.
Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact police quoting crime reference 0708950/15 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
