'a homophobic march took over london's gay district - i no longer feel safe'

A homophobic group marched across Old Compton Street – the heart of London’s LGBTQ+ scene – as residents reveal they no longer feel safe.

Footage shows members of the King’s Army,a Christian Evangelical group,blocking the street chanting ‘Jesus saves’.

They were wearing dark tracksuits and moved in a military-style marching format while screaming ‘Jesus saves’ over and over again.

Passersby can be heard booing the group,until they are drowned out by the religious chants.

Far-right political organisation Turning Point UK shared the protest on their socials,claiming the religious group were ‘protesting the immoral culture in the sex district’.

But Old Compton Street is far from a ‘sex district’ and is instead a street steeped in LGBTQ+ history with bars and nightclubs.

The Metropolitan Police said officers engaged with the crowd but ‘no offences were identified’.

Footage shows members of the King’s Army,blocking the street chanting ‘Jesus saves’

They were wearing dark tracksuits and moved in a military-style marching format

Join Metro's LGBTQ+ community on WhatsApp

With thousands of members from all over the world,our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community.Simply click on this link,select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications!It told Metro: ‘At around 23.10hrs on Friday,3 October police became aware of a protest in Old Compton Street W1.‘Officers engaged with the crowd who dispersed a short time later.’But residents are not happy,and some iconic businesses have blamed growing homophobia on their decision to close.Jeremy Joseph,owner of G-A-Y Bar and Heaven Nightclub,said he no longer feels safe walking down the street.He added the area is also losing its queer identity with only ‘around 40% of businesses on the street putting up a flag during pride’.This made his decision to shut G-A-Y Bar for good on Saturday ‘a lot easier’.Police officers and crowd of people on Old Compton Street,Soho (Picture: Getty Images)G-A-Y Bar in Soho,which has now closed down (Picture: Getty Images)He told Metro: ‘You get things all the time,individuals doing it,but this is the first time I have seen a big group.‘But the intimidation tactic does not work. There used to be a guy who preached his version of the bible near us everyday and we all just ignored him.’He added: ‘When I opened the Old Compton venue,it was the gayest street in London,but now it has lost its identity.‘This weekend half of Old Compton street was closed because there was a crime scene up. Most of the pride flags have been taken down,it’s really sad to see.’Metro has contacted King’s Army for comment.