By Sammie Jones-
British Transport Police have today released CCTV footage to launch an appeal to catch two homophobes who violently humiliated a gay man on a train.
The footage shows the moment a 19-year-old man was strangled and forced to apologise for being gay.
The victim was travelling to a fancy dress party on a westbound train between West Ham and North Greenwich when the incident occurred. It left them shocked and horrified that this could happen on a London Transport.
His 25-year-old female friend was punched during the attac which occurred at around 11.10pm on Saturday, October 21.
The perpetrators boarded the train at West Ham station, East London, hurling abuse at the victim and his friends, using homophobic language after seeing them in their dress which indicated their sexuality.
The culprits became more aggressive when they were confronted; one of them grabbed his mobile phone and even threatened to stab him. One went further to pull the 19-year-old from his seat into a headlock.
Both assailants demanded an apology for his sexuality, forcing the victim to comply as he struggled to breathe.
The victim was eventually released following the apology , and handed back his phone, after which a fight broke out between them and the victim’s friends. The woman was punched and fell to the ground , and she and her gay friend left the train at North Woolwich train station. This was a terrible act of intolerance not expected in modern times in a country like Britain that opposes discrimination of all types. Their foolishness and ignorance is further evident in the fact that they should have known their senseless attack would be caught on CCTV and that they would eventually be identified.
These idiots must be caught, and are fitting candidates for the BBC crime watch road day show .They are dangerous, and could easily strike again at anybody who does not fir the idea of a normal human being worthy of the equal treatment we all deserve.
British Transport Police want anyone who recognises the men to call 0800 405 040 or text 61016, quoting reference number 273 of 1/12.
A statement by British Transport Police given to THE EYE OF MEDIA.COM read:
“Hate crime will not be tolerated by British Transport Police,” the force said in a statement.
“We believe that everyone has the right to travel safety.
“We won’t tolerate behaviour where someone is targeted because they are perceived to be different, or made to feel uncomfortable on their journey.”