A 21-YEAR-OLD woman who refused to give a man her number suffered a broken jaw after being punched to the floor while her pal was sexually assaulted.
Officers are looking for a man after one of the women, 21, was punched near to Piccadilly Circus, London, in the early hours of November 1.
She suffered a fractured jaw and was rushed to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.
The woman was discharged from hospital after several days, and was treated for facial injuries.
Both victims were approached by a man in the street after partying in a nightclub, and in an attempt to put off the stranger claimed that they were girlfriends.
The man, who was previously “flirting” with the women and asking for their numbers, then made a homophobic comment.
He then punched one of the women in the face with force, and she had to be treated for facial injuries in hospital.
A second woman, also 21, was smacked on her rear by a second unknown man, which officers are treating as a sexual assault.
Officers are hunting for two men in connection with the assault, and have released CCTV footage of two men they would like to speak to.
The man who is suspected of punching the woman has been described as a tall and muscular black man, who spoke with an American accent.
He reportedly wore a black bomber jacket with a large logo or other graphic on the back, and officers are still investigating the second suspect.
Detective Sergeant Mo Osman of Central West CID said: “After leaving a nightclub in the West End, the two women had been approached by a man in the street, whom they described as being ‘very flirty’ and trying to get their phone numbers.
“When told that the pair were girlfriends, in an attempt to dissuade him from harassing them, the man made a homophobic remark.
“During a subsequent altercation, the man punched one of the women in the face with sufficient force to knock her to the floor resulting in a fractured jaw.
“It is highly likely that this man will have approached other women and girls in the West End.
“Given the level of violence used it is vital that he is identified and traced. If you know who he is, please contact police.”
Detectives have released an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.
Anyone who can identify the man, or any witnesses, are asked to call 101, ref 694/01nov. To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.
