GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Police in London are urging witnesses to a homophobic attack to contact them with any information.

Detectives from Greenford CID are appealing for anyone with information following an incident on Wednesday 13 July 2005 between 1800 and 1815.

The victim, a 43-year-old man, was walking alone across Horsenden Hill, in north west London when a small group of males walked towards him and became abusive.

The unnamed man started to run towards a car park entrance in Horsenden Lane North where the suspects caught up with him and struck him about the face and head with some form of object.

The victim sustained cuts, bruises, and injuries to his face which may require surgery. He is still recovering from these injuries.

Due to the content of the abuse, police say they are treating this as a homophobic incident.

The suspects were dressed in school uniform; white shirts, black/grey trousers, aged between 14 and 16 years.

DS Coward, investigating the assault, said local gay people should not be fearful of attacks. ?This was a particularly nasty and vicious but rare attack which left the victim needing medical attention.?

?I urgently need to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time who either witnessed the assault or maybe saw the suspects running away to come forward. Anyone with information should call Greenford Police on 020 8246 9623."

If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.