Man beaten in homophobic attack

Detectives have appealed for witnesses after a man was severely beaten outside a public toilet in a homophobic attack.

Officers discovered the victim, aged in his 50s, with head injuries in Chapel Road, Ilford, east London, on Saturday.

Hospital staff initially feared his injuries could be life-threatening but he is now recovering and has been discharged from hospital.

Senior Met Police officers have voiced concerns that the number of homophobic crimes in the capital are increasing.

Crimes against gays and lesbians have increased by almost 14% - an extra 39 offences - since April, reflecting a national increase.

Fatal injuries

There have been four suspected homophobic murders in the capital over the past year.

Ian Baynham, 62, suffered fatal head injuries when he was attacked close to the South African High Commission in Trafalgar Square in September.

In July, 79-year-old Edward Highwood was murdered at his Greenwich home. Neighbours and friends said he was targeted because he was gay.

Gerry Edwards, 59, was stabbed to death at his flat in Bromley, south east London, in March. His partner also suffered stab wounds.

In November 2008, David Cooper, 28, was beaten to death at his flat in Calderwood Street, Woolwich. He had been drinking in Soho the night before his murder.