UK:Gay Couple Attacked by 5 Men After Falling Sleep on The Train
Police released photos of five suspects after a gay couple were ‘attacked by homophobes’ on a train.
Phil Poole, 35, had been out on a date with his 26-year-old boyfriend Zbynek Zatloukal and were making their home on the Great Western Railway.
They had both fallen asleep with their heads propped against on another when they woke up to what police suspect was a homphobic attack.
Officers released CCTV stills of five men suspected of beating the couple up on Valentine’s Day.
Poole claims he was awoken by a punch to the face – and his partner was knocked out.
Police say that the pair tried to get away but the gang followed them and continued to assault them as the train from Reading approached Ealing Broadway.
Investigating officer, PC Peter Taylor, said: ‘This was a very nasty assault committed by a group of men who attacked two other men while they were sleeping on the train. The victims believe the motivation for the attack was that the offenders thought they were gay.
‘Hate crime such as this will absolutely not be tolerated by British Transport Police. I would like to speak to anyone who recognises the men shown in the CCTV images as they may have information which could help with the investigation.
‘If you recognize them or have any other information about the incident, please contact me by calling 0800 40 50 40 or text information to 61016 quoting reference number 30 15/2/17.
At the time passengers called police following the incident and the gang fled.
Poole suffered severe cuts and bruises while Zatloukal was left with a suspected broken eye socket and had to be stretchered out of the carriage.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Poole said: ‘I’m still a bit jumpy and I think it could be a while before I get back on a train. I was just sleeping on his shoulder it wasn’t like I was making out with him, I can understand if people dislike couples kissing on the train.’
metro.co.uk
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