TWO men have been assaulted in separate incidents at a notorious gay road side haunt in Hanworth, which saw one of the men being hit over the head with a brick before being robbed.

The first assault occurred on Monday afternoon at the lay-by on Country Way on the A316, which leads into the M3. A gentleman in his sixties received minor injuries after a gang of youths started to throw stones at him. Four youths have since been arrested and released on bail, a fifth is still being sought.

Later that evening a man was stopped by a four individuals wearing balaclavas who demanded money from him. The man was hit over the head with a brick, receiving minor head injuries.

A spokesman for Hounslow Police said: "Although this area has a history of being an area for gay cruising, and consequently homophobic assaults, there is no evidence to suggest that these were in fact homophobic attacks."

Information to Hounslow Police on 020 8247 6329.