Alex Ogden is wanted by police in connection with an unprovoked homophobic attack in north London (Picture: Metropolitan Police)
A ‘dangerous’ man who may be armed with a knife is urgently wanted by detectives following a homophobic attack that left the victim needing hospital treatment.
Alex Ogden, 28, is alleged to have violently assaulted a man aged in his 50s at an address in Islington, north London.
Ogden, who is of no fixed address but has links to London, York and Sheffield, is said to have made comments during the attack which have led the Metropolitan Police to investigate the incident as a homophobic hate crime. The victim was left needing hospital treatment after the assault on Wednesday, October 18.
A CCTV image of Alex Ogden (Picture: Metropolitan Police)
Ogden, who is known to use the train network to travel around the country, is also wanted for failing to attend court on August 31 after being charged with three common assaults at York railway station.
He is described as a stocky white male with a distinctive haircut of a topknot and shaved sides. His topknot is often braided into smaller plaits or worn long and he speaks with a Yorkshire accent.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, of the Met’s Central North Public Protection Unit, said: ‘The suspect originates from Yorkshire and we believe he came to London about two weeks ago.
‘While he was here he befriended a man, who he told he was homeless, and the man allowed him to stay with him. He then launched an unprovoked attack on the man with a knife and the victim sustained serious facial injuries as a result, including a broken nose.’
Ogden is said by police to have fled the house after the attack, since when he has been at large.
DCI Ridley said: ‘We have issued a picture of the suspect showing him with distinctive long scraggly hair and he speaks with a thick Yorkshire accent.
‘He may still be in possession of a knife and because of the risk he poses we don’t want members of the public to approach him, but to call 999 straight away and we will respond.’
Detective Constable Lauren Gresty, also in the Central North unit, is leading the homophobic assault investigation and is urging members of the public to assist the police in locating Ogden.
Alex Ogden is known to travel the rail network (Picture: Metropolitan Police)
She said: ‘Ogden is a dangerous individual and it is crucial that he is located as a matter of urgency. He is wanted for a number of offences involving violence and theft, and has a history of violent offending.
‘Ogden may be in possession of a knife, and it is vital that members of the public do not approach him. If you see Ogden, or know where he is, it is imperative that you call 999 immediately.’
Anyone who has information that could help police should call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting 4274/30Oct. To report information 100% anonymously contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visit the charity’s website
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Alex Ogden is wanted over an ‘unprovoked’ attack on a man in north London.