Girls hunted over gay-hate murder in Trafalgar Square

Suspects: the two blonde teenagers seen on CCTV near Trafalgar Square on the night of Ian Baynham’s death match the description of two of his attackers
Felix Allen12 April 2012

Two teenage girls were being hunted by police today over the gay-hate murder of a man in Trafalgar Square.

Ian Baynham, 62, suffered fatal head injuries in what detectives described as a "vicious" homophobic assault outside the South African High Commission.

He died in hospital last night when doctors switched off his life support machine, more than two weeks after the attack on 25 September.

Mr Baynham, from Beckenham, suffered severe brain damage when he was punched and kicked as he headed for a night out in the West End.

The victim and his 30-year-old friend had got off the number 24 bus in Duncannon Street when the three youths confronted them outside South Africa House at about 10.45pm. One of the girls shouted homophobic abuse, before all three attacked and kicked Mr Baynham to the ground. His friend was treated for minor injuries.

The investigation, initially handled by Westminster CID, has been passed Scotland Yard's Homicide and Serious Crime Command. Police issued an appeal to help trace the two young women captured on CCTV walking near Trafalgar Square on the night of the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Alexis Boon said last week: "This was a vicious homophobic attack on two men who had done nothing more than come into central London to enjoy a night out and were verbally abused and assaulted within minutes of getting off the bus. This was an isolated incident but the three suspects may have been abusive to members of the public earlier in the evening. I want to appeal for witnesses."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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