CAMDEN RIOTS: Gay's The Word bookshop hit in night of rioting
Monday August 8, 2011
BY JOSIE HINTON
A GAY bookshop in Bloomsbury was attacked in what staff believe was a homophobic hate crime during a night of riots in London.
Gay's the Word, the country's only LGBT bookshop, in Marchmont Street, was left with smashed windows after coming under attack at around 12.30am this morning (Monday).
Neighbours reported seeing a group of a youths arrive on bikes and kick in the glass at the front of the shop, before returning to “pelt the shop with eggs.”
Manager Jim MacSweeney said he believed the incident was opportunistic but motivated by homophobia.
He added: “For us it's probably lads seeing what's happening on the TV and thinking they can get away with kicking our window in.
“There are phases of us feeling nervous but we haven't had an incident like this since 2006.
“What has been really touching is the messages of support we have had not only from our customers but also from members of the community who agree this is not acceptable.”
Police arrived after being alerted by neighbours and warned staff in nearby shops and restaurants to be on their guard.
Mr MacSweeney said Gay's the Word is insured for damage but would have to pay out for excess and lost stock.
Assistant manager Uli Lenart said the attack was shocking but could have been a lot worse.
“We're a shop representing equality and openmindedness so we can't let a few small-minded individuals ruin our day. Thankfully no-one was hurt,” he added.
More than 100 people have so far been arrested following two nights of rioting and looting in Tottenham, Enfield and Brixton. The riots were sparked by the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Mark Duggan by police in Tottenham.