Police in Hackney have released an image of a man they wish to speak to after a serious assault in the early hours of Saturday 12 July on Gascoyne Road. The incident, which left a 24‑year‑old man with serious head injuries, happened soon after England’s World Cup quarter‑final against Norway and occurred in an area described by officers as particularly busy at the time.
What happened
Metropolitan Police say the victim, a 24‑year‑old man, was involved in an altercation with a group of men shortly after 1am. One member of the group then assaulted him, resulting in serious head injuries. Although the injuries are serious, police have confirmed they are not believed to be life‑threatening.
- Date: 12 July
- Time: Just after 1am
- Location: Gascoyne Road, Hackney
- Victim: 24‑year‑old male (serious head injuries)
- Police reference: CAD 600/12JUL
Police appeal and description
Officers have not made any arrests and enquiries are ongoing. Detective Sergeant Steve Rafferty, who is leading the investigation, said the force had carried out extensive enquiries, including reviewing CCTV and speaking with witnesses. The police have published a photograph of a man they believe may hold important information.
"This was a violent assault which has left a young man with serious injuries. Since launching our investigation, officers have carried out extensive enquiries, including analysing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses,"
The man in the released image is described as a White man, thought to be in his 20s or 30s, with light brown hair. He was wearing a blue and white England shirt with a navy collar at the time.
How residents can help
Given the incident occurred after an England match and in a busy period for the area, police are keen to hear from anyone who was in the Gascoyne Road vicinity during the early hours of 12 July. The force has asked anyone who recognises the man in the image or who witnessed the assault to come forward.
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Contact police | Call 101, quoting CAD 600/12JUL |
| Provide information anonymously | Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 |
Local residents who use Gascoyne Road — a street close to transport links and night‑time activity — will want to be aware of the appeal as officers continue their inquiries. If you have CCTV, doorbell footage or mobile phone video from the area during the relevant time, police say that material could be crucial to the investigation.
The Met’s appeal reflects a wider pattern in which incidents around busy match‑times raise particular policing challenges. Officers are asking anyone with information to make contact so the investigation can progress and the victim’s family can be supported through the next steps.
