Attacks on gays in East End go unreported, say police

04 August 2009

By Julia Gregory

POLICE are holding a public meeting to tackle a wave of homophobic incidents in London’s East End because they say attacks on the gay community are going unreported.

They are urging the gay community to come forward after claims that there has been an increase of attacks near gay-friendly pubs.

Gangs of youths in Shoreditch are said to be intimidating regulars outside the Joiners Arms and the George & Dragon in Hackney Road.

These incidents have not been reported, say police, so they have called a meeting on Thursday evening (August 6) at St Hilda’s community centre in Club Row at 6.30pm to discuss the problems.

MORE PATROLS

Det Sgt Craig Robinson said: “There has been an increase in patrols in the area, but we are not having crimes reported to us.

“We urge people to come forward, confidentially if they wish.”

The move comes towards the first anniversary of an attack which left a talented art student paralysed after being stabbed seven times by a gang of youths in Boundary Street when he left the George & Dragon. A 15-year-old was later given 10 years for his part in the attack.

But homophobic incidents have increased in the East End since, according to latest police statistics.

There were 60 in the 12 months to June across Tower Hamlets, compared to 45 the year before.