A targeted homophobic assault and robbery left a man choked, bloodied and bruised as a gang made off with his car.
Police were called to Vanbrugh Park Road in Blackheath, south-east London, at 10.23pm on Sunday following reports of the attack, Scotland Yard said.
Officers found a 36-year-old man with bleeding and bruising to his face and believe there may be more victims, who they are urging to come forward.
The victim was walking on Blackheath Common, in an area known as Blackheath Dip, when he was attacked by a group of around five males, and possibly a female.
He was repeatedly punched in the face and held around his neck, causing him to lose consciousness.
“This was a completely unprovoked and targeted assault and we believe there may be further victims not yet in contact with police”
- Detective Constable Adam Pearce
They then dragged him across the ground by his hood and hit his face against the pavement.
Police said throughout the attack, the gang used homophobic words.
They then stole the victim’s car keys and drove off with his white Peugeot 208 Access, which contained his mobile phone and wallet.
The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital.
Police said he has since been discharged but is suffering from his injuries and is still in shock.
One of the males was described as white, with a thin face and thin lips, wjo spoke with a London accent, and was wearing a grey hooded jumper.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Adam Pearce, from the South East Command Unit, said: “This was a completely unprovoked and targeted assault and we believe there may be further victims not yet in contact with police.
“Both the attack and the homophobic motivation of this assault are abhorrent and I appeal to anyone with any information that could assist the investigation to come forward.”