Detectives in London are on the hunt after a victim was left with a fractured cheekbone in an attack described as vicious by two men.
Police are calling on witnesses after a man, who was attending a themed night in a Tower Hamlets’ nightclub, was allegedly attacked by two men. The victim, Gordon Maxwell says he believes he was targetted because of his sexuality and is now afraid to leave his home.
At the time the victim was wearing a white dress, ‘Doctor Martin’ boots and a brown jacket. He is around 6ft tall, of a slim build, with a goatee beard.
Homophobia
A man (Suspect One) was standing at some nearby barriers outside the club and made a homophobic comment towards Mr Maxwell.
He is described as a white man, of medium build. He was wearing a blue coat with the hood up and a white peak coming out of the hood.
The second attacker is described as aged between 19 and 28 years old, of an Asian or black appearance. He was wearing a blue puffa-style jacket with the hood up and a silver/white emblem on the left upper arm, dark tracksuit trousers with white lettering on the left leg and dark trainers with thick white soles.
Following the attack, Mr Maxwell went back to the club and sought medical assistance from door staff.
He later attended hospital where it was confirmed that he had a fractured cheekbone that would require reconstructive surgery.
Shattered Confidence
Mr Maxwell, from Greenwich, said, “I fully believe I was targeted that evening because of my sexuality.
“I did not see the man that punched me; he ran at me from out of the blue, hit me and ran off.
“This incident has had a massive affect on all aspects of my life. I am afraid to leave the house and to be at home alone. It has totally shattered my confidence.
“I cannot feel the right side of my face including my right side of my nose. The surgeons say I may have permanent nerve damage. My mouth and right eye does not open fully and I have lost my sense of smell through one nostril.
“I would like to urge anyone who saw the attack or thinks they know the people involved to come forward as I fully believe they may strike again – they must be stopped and brought to justice.”
Caught on CCTV
Detectives from Tower Hamlet have today released CCTV footage of the incident and a still image of the man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
Detective Constable Alice Tiritas, from Tower Hamlets CID, said, “This was a vicious attack that took place very quickly outside a nightclub and has had very severe effects on the victim, both physically and mentally.
“We take hate crime like this extremely seriously, and will do out utmost to bring perpetrators of this type of unacceptable attack, to justice. If there is anyone out there who saw these two men or heard them abused Gordon, please contact us as a matter of urgency.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the investigation team on 020 7275 4601 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.
