“So far the only suggested motive is that this was a homophobic attack on the people in the club or those running it,” said Detective Nathan Hoole about an incident last weekend at gay nightclub X-es in Sheffield, England.
Said the detective: “Those responsible, believed to be five men, stormed in, shouted insults and set about trashing the place. They caused considerable damage to the bar area, smashing the optics and pulling off beer pumps. It is thought everything happened quickly, that they were intent on causing damage and that within a minute or so they had achieved what they wanted to and left. We believe they came with the intention of causing damage and that people who got in their way got assaulted. They came brandishing weapons, so this was pre-planned. This is being treated extremely seriously.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call South Yorkshire Police at Attercliffe CID on 0114 296 4366.
The attack, which happened at 2:45 am last Saturday, is just the most recent in a spate of homophobic attacks in the UK. Earlier this month, a stabbing involving a patron at the Bird in Hand pub stunned Cambridge, and last October, barman Jody Dobrowski was beaten to death on Clapham Common in South London.
Armed gang in gay club attack [sheffield today]