Gay killing suspect freed by a passer-by

A teenage girl suspected of joining a fatal attack on a gay man escaped when a passer-by mistakenly released her from the grasp of the victim's friend.

Ian Baynham, 62, died two weeks after an assault close to the South African High Commission in Trafalgar Square, central London.

Police continued to hunt three young people today, including two blonde teenage girls who were caught on CCTV nearby.

Detective Chief Inspector Clive Heys, who is leading the inquiry, said the victim's friend suffered cuts and bruises when he grabbed one of the trio.

But she was released before police could arrive by members of the public who wrongly thought she was being assaulted.

Mr Heys said: "Mr Baynham was a 62-year-old man who was simply travelling to enjoy a night out with a friend when he was attacked with such tragic consequences.

"Trafalgar Square would have been busy with people at this time on a Friday night. A number of witnesses have already come forward. However, we would urge anyone who may have information, no matter how insubstantial they think it is, to come forward - it could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

"Homophobic attacks of this severity are extremely rare in Westminster and we are working hard to ensure that the West End remains a safe area for people to enjoy.

"This was a horrendous attack and completely unacceptable and we will work hard on behalf of Mr Baynham's family to catch those responsible."

Mr Baynham, from Beckenham, south east London, suffered severe brain damage when he was punched and kicked to the ground. His attackers shouted homophobic abuse.

He was on his way to a night out in the West End with a 30-year-old friend when the attack took place on September 25 shortly before 11pm.

The two men had just got off a number 24 bus in Duncannon Street when three youths confronted them and shouted abuse.

The three suspects were sitting in the area earlier that evening and the man was seen giving one girl a piggyback ride.

Investigators said the three, all aged between 16 and 20, are suspected of shouting verbal abuse at other people as well.

In July, Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson highlighted his concern over an increase in the number of homophobic crimes in the capital.

Senior officers were told homophobic crimes have increased by almost 14%, an extra 39 offences, since April, and there has also been an increase nationally.

There have been three other suspected homophobic murders in the capital over the past year.

* Anyone with information can contact the incident room on 0208 721 4868 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.