Aylesbury teacher suffers face injuries in homophobic attack

Michael Smith, who has worked and lived in Aylesbury since 2008, was standing at a Brixton bus stop with his partner when they were both approached by an unknown man.

The stranger then began to punch the couple in the head.

Michael Smith (left) with his boyfriend. The former lives and works in Aylesbury (Michael Smith/BBC) (Image: Michael Smith/BBC)

The incident happened at around 10.30pm on Saturday, August 19.

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Smith, who suffered a busted lip, said: “These attacks are on the rise to the LGBTQ+ community and we shouldn’t feel ashamed or scared to speak out.

“I am also determined not to let this get me down.”

No arrests have been made although enquiries remain ongoing.

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Additionally, both Michael and his partner have been supported by an LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer, who specialises in helping those who have been on the receiving end of hate crimes. 

Not long after the appalling homophobic attack in Clapham, another incident has occurred in Brixton.

I am disgusted that these events have taken place in our city—a city that champions love and inclusion.

Let me be clear: homophobia has no place in our society.

— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) August 25, 2023

Detective Sergeant Simon Allen said: “This is a horrific and truly shocking attack and we know that this is likely to concern local people, especially those from the LGBT+ community.

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“We stand with you in our utter disgust and are doing all we can to trace the suspect involved in this cruel and unprovoked attack.

A Buckinghamshire primary school teacher has received hospital treatment after being attacked in what police are describing as a homophobic assault.

“We have carried out a number of CCTV enquiries and we are now appealing for help from members of the public to assist with our investigation.

“We believe there were several people in the immediate area at the time of the incident, who may be potential witnesses and we would urge those people to come and speak with police.”

Following the attack, Michael has raised over £1,000 for the Stonewall charity – a cause that helps members of the LGBT community.