Lib Dem Councillor Ron Aitken has condemned an attack on a gay man on anight bus outside Highgate tube station in the early hours of Thursdaymorning.

He has also welcomed the Metropolitan Police’s response. His comments come following a meeting he attended of the Gold Group – a panelmade up of senior police officers and leading members of the lesbian and gaycommunity – on Friday morning.

Assurances have been given to Cllr Aitken and others that the two victims ofthe attack and their welfare will be foremost in the investigation and thatpolice will be deployed to protect members of the gay and lesbian communityas they go about their business.

Cllr Aitken comments:

“I am pleased that the Metropolitan Police have set upa specialist enquiry team to apprehend the attacker and I am impressed bythe commitment to providing protection and reassurance to the lesbian andgay community.

“People should not allow fear of an intolerant minority to stop them fromgoing out with their friends.”