Police in Walthamstow have issued e-fit images of suspects wanted in connection with two homophobic assaults on gay men who were told they were “not welcome” in the area.

According to a statement on the Metropolitan Police website, the first attack was perpetrated on Sunday, October 8th against a 47-year-old man who was walking along High Street, Walthamstow E17, with his with his partner after a night out.

“They were approached by a man who asked them if he could take a picture of them, and then asked if they were gay,” the statement explains.

“The two men walked away, but the suspect then grabbed hold of the victim and said ‘you are not welcome’ and grappled with him.”

Police Commissioner Bans Gay Sauna, 'Too Close to Mosque… Caused Widespread Offence' https://t.co/qZvpCVI8tK pic.twitter.com/3d1qgP564z — Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) June 3, 2016

While the victims in this first case were left shaken but uninjured, the second incident was more violent.

Taking place just under a month later on Saturday, November 4th, this even saw a 31-year-old man accosted by “three men” who were unknown to him as he walked along Hoe Street, E17, with two friends.

“One of them punched the victim in the face and shouted homophobic abuse at him,” the statement records.

“The punch caused the victim to fall to the floor and the attacker made off.

“The victim suffered a black eye and cuts and bruises — he did not require hospital treatment.

“The victims, who were both left extremely shaken after the incidents, provided detailed descriptions of the attacker from which the two e-fits were produced.”

Based on the descriptions they received, police have not ruled out the possibility that the same men were behind both attacks.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call Waltham Forest police on 101 or contact via Twitter at @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Follow Jack Montgomery on Twitter: @JackBMontgomery