LONDON - British police say they are treating the murder of a man found beaten to death in south London as a homophobic attack.
Jody Dobrowski, a bar manager from southeast London, was found unconscious on Clapham Common by police shortly after midnight on Saturday.
The 24-year-old later died in hospital and a post mortem found he had died from severe head, neck and facial injuries.
"He was the victim of a sustained and violent assault," Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola told reporters.
He said witnesses near the scene said they had heard the assailants hurl homophobic insults at Dobrowski.
"Certainly those who carried out the attack thought he was gay," Scola said.
Police said they were looking for two men aged in their 20s in connection with the attack.
Clapham Common is a renowned meeting place for homosexuals and local police commander Jo Royle said it was important anyone who saw anything suspicious came forward.
"I know the concerns and worry that this attack will have. We need you to help us", Royle said.
Bob Hodgson from the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender advisory group added: "This is a time for people from the community to come forward if they know anything at all.
"If you don't come forward with what you know, you could potentially be putting other people at risk in the future - we need to work with the police to solve this crime."
- REUTERS
Police probe London 'homophobic' murder
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