Assault on young men in Ilford treated as possible hate crime
Image of a man Metropolitan Police would like to speak to in connection with an assault in High Road, Ilford - Credit: Met Police
Detectives in Redbridge have released an image of a man they wish to speak to after two young men were assaulted by six Asian men in High Road, Ilford.
The attack happened at around 6.30pm on April 27 in High Road, Ilford, after four young men decided to visit Ilford to carry out filming for a college media project.
They arrived by bus and began walking towards Chadwick Road, when two members of the group - who were walking ahead - passed a group of six Asian men.
It is alleged that the Asian men made racist comments in their direction, at which point one of the victims was grabbed and punched in the face.
The other men then took off their belts, approached the second victim and pushed him to the ground before assaulting him, police say.
Both victims managed to escape and call police. They sustained minor injuries.
All six suspects have been described as Asian in appearance, between 16 and 21-years-old.
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One of the males was described as wearing a skeleton face mask and a black hoodie.
On 10 June, a 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and has since been bailed to a date in late October.
Now police would like to speak to the man pictured above.
He is believed to be in his late teens, wearing a blue three-quarter-length jacket with fur around the hood and dark jeans.
Pc Max Hastilow, from Redbridge Community Safety Unit, said: “This was a nasty attack on two young men visiting the borough.
“After receiving abusive comments, they were subjected to a nasty assault.
“Lots of people would have been in the area at the time. I would urge anyone with any information to come forward.”
Anyone who witnessed the assault or who has any information is urged to contact Westminster’s Community Safety Unit on 101.
To give information anonymously, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.
