Friends of Clapham Common says spate of homophobic attacks are an ‘isolated thing’

The chairman of the Friends of Clapham Common has disputed police reports of a systematic rise of homophobic abuse in the area.

Earlier this month, police in the London borough of Lambeth appealed for victims and witnesses to come forward after recent three anti-gay attacks took place on Clapham Common

PC David Brunton, LGBT Liaison Officer in Lambeth, said: “We have heard there have been a number of attacks on the LGBT community which has not been reported to Police.

“We take homophobic crime incredibly seriously and would urge any victims to come forward to the Police, Lambeth Council or organisations like GALOP – who are a LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity.”

However, Marcus Hope, chairman of the Friends of Clapham Common, has called these reports “surprising.”

According to the London Evening Standard, he said: “It is an isolated thing. We have not had any other complaints. The common is absolutely a safe place. It is for everyone.”

Councillor Bernard Gentry said: “We would hate for an impression to be created that Clapham Common is not a safe place. One attack is one attack too many at a time when we want to encourage people to get out on the common.”

If you have have any information about the incidents or have been a victim of a crime, contact Lambeth Police on 101 or email David.Brunton @met.police.uk

• Dec 31 2024

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