A NORTHERN Irish man is amongst a group being sought by Metropolitan Police over a shocking homophobic hate crime.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after the assault of two men - one of whom lost teeth in the incident - in Lambeth in July.
Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at shortly before 1am in the early hours on Sunday morning July 30 to Windmill Walk, SE1 to a report of two men injured following an assault.
The victims, aged 53 and 49, suffered facial injuries and were taken to a south London hospital for treatment. They have since been discharged.
The men told police that they were approached by a group of four males who launched an unprovoked attack which appeared to be motivated by homophobia.
Today, officers released e-fits of two men they wish to identify and speak with.
The suspects were all described as white and wearing hooded tops, and one of them spoke with a strong Northern Irish accent.
The assaults, in which one of the victims lost some teeth, are being treated as a suspected hate crime.
Detective Constable Matt Cockroft, from Lambeth CID, said: "This was a shocking attack on two men who were simply walking along the road.
"I would urge anyone who recognises either of these men to contact us. I would also like to speak with anyone who witnessed the assault but has not yet to come forward."
There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.
