Man Comes Forward After Police Appeal After Homophobic Attack

Two men assaulted by gang at Ealing Broadway train station

A man's come forward after police released CCTV images of a group they want to question over an assault which took place at Ealing Broadway station.

British Transport Police believe an attack on two men on 15 February was motivated by homophobia.

Phil Poole was returning on the GWR train from Reading with his partner Zbynek Zatloukal after a Valentine's meal. The pair had missed their stop after falling asleep and around five men boarded the service to London Paddington and allegedly started making homophobic comments.

The incident happened at around 1.05am on 15 February on the Reading to London Paddington service, just before the train stopped at Ealing Broadway.

Images of the men police with to speak to

When they woke up they found they were being attacked. A group of men were punching and kicking them repeatedly. They attempted to get away but the offenders followed and continued to attack them during a prolonged assault. Their attacker offenders got off the train at Ealing Broadway and left the station. Mr Zatloukal sustained head injuries including cuts and bruises and was knocked unconscious. Mr Poole had his front teeth knocked out. Both required hospital treatment. Mr Poole says the attack has left him with sleeping problems and flashbacks.

Phil Poole and Zybnek Zatloukal

Investigating officer, PC Peter Taylor, said: “This was a very nasty assault committed by a group of men who attacked two other men while they were sleeping on the train. The victims believe the motivation for the attack was that the offenders thought they were gay.

“Hate crime such as this will absolutely not be tolerated by British Transport Police. I would like to speak to anyone who recognises the men shown in the CCTV images as they may have information which could help with the investigation.

“If you recognise them or have any other information about the incident, please contact me by calling 0800 40 50 40 or text information to 61016 quoting reference number 30 15/2/17.”

March 6 2017