'Homophobic attack' victim feels 'lucky' after leaving hospital

One of the victims stabbed outside nightclub in ‘homophobic attack’ says he feels ‘lucky’ to be alive after leaving hospital

• The pair, one in their 20s and the other in their 30s, were attacked in Clapham 

A victim of a suspected homophobic stabbing outside a gay club on Sunday has broken his silence.

Two men, one in their 20s and the other in their 30s, were targeted near the Two Brewers in Clapham, south London, at around 10.15pm on Sunday. They were treated in hospital and discharged.

One of the victims, named only as Aniello, said he had been left with ‘so many questions’ after the attack but felt ‘lucky’ after leaving hospital.

He wrote on social media: ‘Didn’t know if I should really say anything, but I suppose it feels right to.

‘I’ve not been left feeling sad, nor angry, or confused.

One of the victims, named only as Aniello (pictured), said he had been left with ‘so many questions’ after the attack but felt ‘lucky’ after leaving hospital

He said: ‘What today has strengthened in me more than ever before is that I could never, and have never been prouder, happier or more comforted, by the community’

‘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 OK to attack anyone.

‘Whatever their reasons – and how we change that.

‘What today has strengthened in me more than ever before is that I could never, and have never been prouder, happier or more comforted, by the community.

‘I am lucky enough to have as my LGBTQ+ family!

‘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.

‘Love you all – all of you.’

Metropolitan Police officers are searching for the suspect in the attack, which they are treating as homophobic.

Detective Inspector Gary Castle said: ‘We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.

‘We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBT+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 basic command units in London to support and advise on investigations where homophobia is a motive, and to ensure the community has a dedicated point of contact to address any concerns they may have.’

A spokesman for the Two Brewers pub, a gay bar and nightclub, said security has been boosted in the wake of the stabbing

The pair, one aged in their 20s and the other in their 30s, were targeted near the Two Brewers in Clapham High Street, south London, at around 10.15pm on Sunday

A spokesman for the Two Brewers pub, a gay bar and nightclub, said security has been boosted in the wake of the stabbing.

They said: ‘We are fully supporting the police in their investigation regarding this unprovoked attack and 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.’

Drag performer Mary Mac, who was at the venue on Sunday, said on Twitter: ‘It’s shocking and disgusting that in 2023 this is becoming frighteningly more frequent.

‘The team at The Two Brewers were incredible in dealing with this and keeping us inside the venue safe, glad the victims have been discharged and hope they are with loved ones now to help.’

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called the attack ‘abhorrent’ 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan urged witnesses to come forward.

Writing on Twitter, now known as X, he said: ‘This is abhorrent. There is no place for hate in London.

‘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.’

In a tweet the Labour MP for Vauxhall, Florence Eshalomi, called the attack ‘very worrying’.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.

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