Victim of Homophobic Double Stabbing Outside Clapham’s Popular LGBTQ+ Venue Speaks Out
August 15, 2023One of the victims who was stabbed in a homophobic attack outside Clapham’s Two Brewers, a popular LGBTQ+ venue, has spoken out about the horrific incident that took place on Sunday night.
According to several reports, both men were standing outside the popular gay bar at around 10.15pm on 13 August, when they were approached and attacked by a man with a knife before running off. The two victims have since been treated at hospital and discharged.
One of the victims shared that he could not “be prouder or more gay”, in an Instagram post today, after being discharged. “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 okay to attack anyone… whatever their reasons and how we can change that,” he pondered.
He also shared how proud and happy he was to be comforted by the LGBTQ+ community and his family and friends. “I would NEVER change it for the world...I am so lucky to have all my family and friends who have reached out just to check on me today.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Two Brewers, which is helping the police in their investigation regarding Sunday’s unprovoked attack, said: "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We would like to reassure the LGBTQIA+ community that the safety and security of our guests remains our number one priority, our CCTV has been handed over to the police and enhanced security measures have now been put in place."
The incident has inevitably shocked members of the LGBTQ+ community and an urgent police investigation is underway. Commenting on the attack, Detective Inspector Gary Castle of the Met Police stated: “We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and I want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.”
Describing the incident as "horrific", London’s mayor Sadiq Khan said: "It's a huge relief the victims are out of hospital - my thoughts remain with them and their loved ones. If you have any information, please do not stay silent."
The incident is being treated as a homophobic attack and enquiries
The incident is being treated as a homophobic attack and enquiries are ongoing to locate and arrest the suspect. Any witnesses are being encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD7198/13Aug. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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