Barnet's head of police has urged the gay community to help him solve a spate of homophobic attacks, so as not to limit anyone's enjoyment of open spaces'.

Chief Superintendent Mark Ricketts addressed a Barnet gay group for the first time last Thursday, after a series of attacks in Scratchwood car park and woods in Mill Hill.

The area is a meeting point for men, and is also well known as a dogging' spot, where people travel to car parks to watch others having sex.

In an attempt to reassure the community, Mr Ricketts said that police were doing all they could to catch those responsible for the attacks and ensure that those visiting would be safe.

Mr Ricketts said: "It is not our intention to limit anyone's enjoyment of the open spaces. As everywhere, we need the help of the public in keeping Barnet and London safe."

Sergeant Cherie Whiteley, Barnet's first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) liaison officer, was also present at the weekly Barnet Lesbian and Gay Group (Blagg) meeting, held in Whetstone.

On Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17, between 4pm and 6.30pm, two men in Scratchwood were attacked by gangs of youths aged between 11 and 16. The men were beaten with sticks, and one had his mobile stolen.

Police have now renewed calls for witnesses to come forward.

Rob de Nazar, a member of Blagg, who was at the meeting, said that the efforts of Mr Ricketts were not going unnoticed. "He came across as pleasant, relaxed, thoughtful and very much in tune with all the social communities of this borough," he said. "He has clearly changed the ethos of his command since he arrived those present at our meeting were able to talk to him easily and discussed many issues in outline."

Call the LGBT hotline on 020 8733 4002 if you have any information on the attacks.