Lesbian couple beaten in homophobic attack on London bus, 4 people arrested

Four males aged between 15-18 have been arrested today, Friday, 7 June on suspicion of robbery and aggravated GBH (hate crime). They have been taken to separate London police stations for questioning, the police said in a statement.

Police appealed for witnesses and information after the women were assaulted and robbed on a route N31 bus in Camden.   

The incident happened at approximately 02:30hrs on Thursday, 30 May after the two women, both aged in their 20s, boarded the bus in West Hampstead.

As per media reports, the two victims were identified as Melania Geymonat and her partner Chris.

The police said: "As they sat on the top deck they were approached by a group of males who began to make lewd and homophobic comments to them. The women were then attacked and punched several times before the males ran off the bus. A phone and bag were stolen during the assault."

The women were taken to hospital for treatment.

They were later discharged.

Detective Superintendent Andy Cox said: “This was a disgusting attack on two women who appear to have been picked out and targeted by a group of youths. The suspects have made a number of homophobic comments towards the couple before throwing coins at them. When the women tried to reason with the group, the attack escalated to an assault."

“CCTV footage from the attack is being reviewed by detectives. We continue to appeal for information from the public, particularly those who were present on the bus before or after the attack to come forward and tell police what they saw," Cox said.

“A number of active enquires are in hand to trace other individuals suspected to have been involved in the incident. Lots of people will understandably be outraged by this attack. Our efforts to trace all the suspects involved and bring them in for questioning will be relentless," Cox said.

Geymonat posted an image of themselves on Facebook where she and her partner could be seen sitting on the bus, covered in blood.

Geymonat told CNN Friday night that it was "not the first time in my life I have felt violated, even though it is the first time my nose has been broken."
She said she felt angry at the situation but is "thankful it didn't go worse," adding that she will have a small procedure next week to fix her broken nose.

Politicians condemn attack:

PM Theresa May condemned the attack.

"This was a sickening attack and my thoughts are with the couple affected," she was quoted as saying by BBC.

"Nobody should ever have to hide who they are or who they love and we must work together to eradicate unacceptable violence towards the LGBT community," she said.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: "This was a disgusting, misogynistic attack. Hate crimes against the LGBT+ community will not be tolerated in London. The @metpoliceuk are investigating and arrests have been made. If you have any information - call 101."