A man has been arrested in Kent following a homophobic attack in which a man may have been blinded.

The attacks, which took place at the weekend in Vauxhall, London, saw three people sprayed with a concentrated ammonia solution at around 4am. The 23-year-old victim had struck up a conversation with two women, but they began yelling homophobic abuse at him when they learned he was gay. As he walked away, he was called back by another man, who sprayed the liquid into his eyes and his friend’s face, causing severe burns.

Today, police reported that they had arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm, and that they are holding him at a south London police station.

Earlier today, police had said that they would deal with the incident ‘robustly’, and that the area is ‘no place for hate and a safe place for all.’

Chief Superintendent Richard Wood, Lambeth Borough Commander said: ‘Lambeth police understand that, although unusual, the assaults in Vauxhall may leave some communities, in particular the LGBT community, anxious and concerned. However, we will work together with our partners to protect and serve this community. The Metropolitan Police Service will take a robust approach to those who commit crimes motivated by any form of hate or discrimination.’

The message goes on to encourage anyone who has been the victim of, or witness to a crime to contact the Police via 101, speak to Victim Support or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.