The alleged assault took place near the junction of Denmark Hill and Camberwell Road in south-east London (Google Maps)

Police are investigating an alleged homophobic assault in south-east London which left a 29-year-old man with head injuries.

The attack took place near the junction of Denmark Hill and Camberwell Road just after 3am on Sunday (July 14). A man aged 19 was arrested at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and has since been released under investigation.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “The incident is being investigated as a homophobic assault following comments made prior to the assault.”

The victim had to be taken to hospital for treatment, although his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing.

While police investigated the assault on Sunday afternoon a number of shops opposite Camberwell Green remained cordoned off, and blood could be seen on the pavement, according to local news.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and have urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting reference CAD 1376 of July 14, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Surge in LGBT+ hate crimes continues

As the number of LGBT+ hate crimes in England and Wales has more than doubled, London has been in the spotlight for several homophobic attacks in recent months.

A brutal attack on a lesbian couple on a bus sparked a national discussion about how LGBT+ people often feel unsafe in public spaces.

Melania Geymonat, one of the women who were attacked, wrote on Facebook: “What upsets me the most is that violence has become a common thing.

“I’m tired of being taken as a sexual object, of finding out that these situations are usual, of gay friends who were beaten up just because.”