East London ‘Muslim vigilantes’ homophobia victim makes contact with police

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

A man who was subjected to homophobic abuse by a group of men claiming to be “Muslim vigilantes” has come forward to police.

The Metropolitan Police issued an appeal after a video of the harassment was uploaded to YouTube.

Last Thursday, detectives urged the victim to come forward as “a crucial witness”.

Police say they do not know where the video was shot or when, but the gang responsible is thought to be from the Whitechapel area of east London.

Another video, also apparently uploaded by the same group, features them shouting abuse at a different man for drinking alcohol.

A police spokesman said on Monday: “The man contacted officers today and he is currently being interviewed by officers at an east London police station.”

Five men arrested as part of the investigation, under suspicion of GBH and public order offences, have been bailed.