halloween attack
One of the victims, Robbie Kingsford, was left with severe facial injuries following the attack Facebook/Brian Kingsford

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a homophobic attack on two men in Surbiton, south west London.

Two men, aged 18 and 21, were attacked in the early hours of 1 November by two men wearing pink tutus as part of a Halloween costume.

Police wanted to speak to two men in connection with the attack after they were called to reports of males fighting outside the KFC restaurant in Brighton Road, Surbiton.

The victims said they were attacked after one of the men hurled homophobic abuse as they passed them near Victoria Road. The two suspects then assaulted the men, kicking and stamping on them while they lay on the ground, near a zebra crossing.

Met Police said a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and common assault in connection with the incident and remains at a west London police station.

"Enquires continue regarding the identity of the second suspect," a spokesperson added.

Brian Kingsford, the father of one of the victims, Robbie Kingsford, launched a Facebook appeal in order to help find the "scumbags" responsible for attacking his son. He also uploaded a photo of the 21-year-old's face to show the extent of his injuries.

He added: "These thugs need to be caught if you know who these two people were and have any conscience please report them to the police as next time they may just kill someone."

Robbie Kingsford also thanked everyone for their messages of support via Facebook.

He added: "Thank you to everyone who has given support and help after what has happened to me I have passed on the photos and names provided by people who would like to remain anonymous to the police and the officer... I hope one day I can return the favour and help you all somehow."

Trainee Detective Constable Ann-Marie Hodgkiss said: "This was a violent and unprovoked (homophobic) hate crime and I am appealing for anyone with any information about the incident to contact me."

Police described the first suspect as a white man, aged in his late twenties, with fair hair that was shaven, a muscular build and short in height

The second suspect was also a white man in his late 20s, with short brown hair. Both men were wearing pink tutus.

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