GAY cruisers on Hampstead Heath are being urged to report any assaults to police. The appeal comes after a man was attacked and his car stolen by three masked men at Jack Straw s Castle. He was attacked when he returned to his car at around midnight on Mo

GAY cruisers on Hampstead Heath are being urged to report any assaults to police.

The appeal comes after a man was attacked and his car stolen by three masked men at Jack Straw's Castle.

He was attacked when he returned to his car at around midnight on Monday.

The man reported the crime to police but it is believed other victims fail to call 999 because they want to keep their private escapades secret.

Director of the Camden's Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transexual Forum Lou Hart said victims of crime should always go the police.

"Men should not be afraid to approach the police because officers are not interested in what you are doing up there - they just want to make sure you do not become the victim of a crime," he said.

"The police themselves will deal with everyone in strict confidence and so will we. If something has happened and they need support but they don't want to give their names or addresses we will deal with it in confidence.

"Anyone going on the Heath needs to be aware of the services available. Do not be afraid to go to officers because they have been trained to keep things secret."

Mr Hart says one of the problems stems from the privatisation of the car park at Jack Straw's Castle, which means they must now park along the road.