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Police urge anyone with information to come forward
Ian Baynham
Murder investigation launched after victim of 'homophobic' attack dies
The Metropolitan police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a victim of a suspected homophobic attack.
Ian Baynham's life support machine was switched off on Tuesday night. He had suffered severe brain damage after being attacked in Trafalgar Square on September 25.
Baynham, 62, was walking with a 30-year-old friend close to the South African High Commission when reportedly a woman began shouting homophobic abuse at him. When he remonstrated with her she attacked him and her male friend punched him and then kicked him as he lay on the ground.
A second young woman was involved in the incident and police are hunting for the three, believed to be teenagers, who were captured on CCTV arguing with Baynham and his friend, who was later treated for minor injuries.
The three attackers, described as two white, blonde females, aged 16-20, and a thin, black male of a similar age, were last seen walking on the east side of Trafalgar Square towards The Strand. According to the police, they had earlier been witnessed shouting abuse at other people.
Police have warned that homophobic crimes in the Metropolitan area have increased by almost 14%, an extra 39 offences, since April, and an increase nationally has also been recorded.
Two lives have already been lost to homophobic attacks in London within the last twelve months. In November 2008, David Cooper, 28, was beaten to death at his flat in Woolwich, and Gerry Edwards, 59, was stabbed to death at his flat in Bromley in March of this year.
"Mr Baynham was a 62-year-old man who was simply travelling to enjoy a night out with a friend when he was attacked with such tragic consequences," Detective Chief Inspector Clive Heys told the Evening Standard.
"Trafalgar Square would have been busy with people at this time on a Friday night. A number of witnesses have already come forward. However, we would urge anyone who may have information, no matter how insubstantial they think it is, to come forward - it could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
"Homophobic attacks of this severity are extremely rare in Westminster and we are working hard to ensure that the West End remains a safe area for people to enjoy.
"This was a horrendous attack and completely unacceptable and we will work hard on behalf of Mr Baynham's family to catch those responsible."
Anyone with information can contact the incident room on 0208 721 4868 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
