Gays urged not to avoid Clapham Common after attacks

London’s gay community is being urged not to avoid visiting Clapham Common after a number of recent homophobic incidents.

The Friends of Clapham Common community group have assured locals that the park is “absolutely a safe place” for all visitors.

On August 30, two men allegedly threatened to punch another man because of his sexuality. The man anonymously reported the incident to police.

Local policeman David Brunton told the London Evening Standard: “We have heard there have been a number of attacks on the LGBT community which have not been reported. We take homophobic crime incredibly seriously and urge victims to come forward.”

Marcus Hope, chairman of the Friends of Clapham Common, added: “The reports are surprising. I think [the two men] will just be a couple of idiots. It is an isolated thing. We have not had any other complaints.”

A London university recently lost £22,000 of funding over “sexist, homophobic and classist” leaflets handed out by the men’s rugby club – read more here.

Meanwhile, an LGBT choir took to Manchester’s tram network on Monday night (November 17) in response to a recent homophobic attack – read the full story here.

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