A man was struck on the head with a plank of wood in what is being treated as a homophobic attack.

Images of six men have been released by the Metropolitan Police of who officers would like to speak to in connection with the assault in High Road, Chadwell Heath.

Two men, both in their 20s, were walking in the area at 5.30pm when six unknown men reportedly were verbally abusive towards them and made threats.

A man from the group then struck one of the victims with the plank.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of his cuts and bruises, but he was discharged shortly after.

The second victim was not injured, but according to the Met both men are “understandably distressed”.

Due to some of the comments made before the physical attack, the incident is being treated as a hate crime.

No arrests have been made at this time and enquires continue.

Any witnesses or anyone with information or footage is asked to call police on 101 or contact @MetCC via X, formerly known as Twitter, quoting reference CAD 5640/01OCT.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.